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Captain ROBERT FISH 



YACHTSMAN'S SCRAP BOOK, 



OR THE 



Ups and Downs of Yacht Racing. 



^' 



J^- EDJ-T^Sy' BY 



.M 




J. Fr LOUBAT. 



-tc^ 



r 



if-ih^ 




NEW YORK : 

BRENTANO BROTHERS. 

1887. 



*»■--'-— .. 



"^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress^ 

1887, 

by J. F. Loubat. 



This Scrap Book of my cruises and races in the 
Enchantress, I dedicate to the memory of her designer and 

sailing master, the late Captain Robert Fish. 

Netu York, April, 1887. 

J, F. LOUBAT. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

The New Yobk Yacht CiiUB. 
The Evening Post, New York, July 1, 1874. . . . Page 1 

CHAPTER II. 

The America. 

The Illustrated London News, London, March 15, 1851. . . .12 
'* '♦ " " August 9, 1851. . 13 

** <* " *' August 30, 1851. . . 16 



CHAPTER in. 

The Enchantress. 

Land and Water, London, July 1, 1871. . . . . 25 

The Daily Telegraph, St. John's, New Brunswick, July 25, 1873. . 29 



CHAPTER ly. 

The Ocean Races. 

The New York Herald, New York, September 25, 1873 . . 32 

" " *♦ " *• " October 8, 1873. . . 36 



Vlll. CONTENTS. 

The New York Times, New York, October 9, 1873. . . .43 

The New York Herald, New York, October 10, 1873. . . 45 

The World, New York, October 10, 1873. . . .52 

The New York Herald, New York. October 11, 1873. . . 58 

The Evening Telegram, New York, October 11, 1873. . . 60 

The New York Herald, New York, October 12, 1873. . . 62 

The World, New York, October 12, 1873. . . . .73 

The New York Herald, New York, October 13, 1873. . . 78 

The Sun, New York, October 13, 1873. . . . .86 

The New York Times, New York, October 13, 1873. . . 92 

The New York Daily Tribune, New York, October 13, 1873. . . 96 

The World, New York, October 13, 1873. . ... 98 

The Commercial Advertiser, New York, October 13, 1873. 100 

The New York Herald. New York, October 15, 1873. . . 102 

October 18, 1873. . . 103 

October 23, 1873. . . 106 



CHAPTER V. 
The Cape May Challenge Cup Race. 



The New York Herald, New York, September 23, 1873. . . 108 

September 25, 1873. . . 109 

The Field, London, October 11, 1873. . . . . .110 

The New York Herald, New York, October 14, 1873. . . Ill 

The Sun, New York, October 14, 1873, . . . .111 

The World, New York, October 14, 1873. . . .112 

The Evening Mail, New York, October 14, 1873. . . .114 

The Sun, New York, October 15, 1873. .... 115 

The New York Times, New York, October 15, 1873. . 115 

The World, New York, October, 15,^1873. . . .117 

The New York Times, New York, October 17, 1873. . . 118 

The World, New York, October 20, 1873. . .... 120 

The Sun, New York, October 21, 1873. . . ... 122 

The New York Times, New York, October 21, 1873. . .122 

The World, New York, October 21, 1873. . . . 123 

The Evening Mail, New York, October,^21, 1873 128 

The New York Herald, New York, October 24, 1873. . . .128 

The New York Times, New York, October^24, 1873. . . 131 

The World, New York, October 24, 1873. ^ . . . .133 



CONTENTS. IX- 



CHAPTER VI. 



Mr. J. F. Loubat's Gift to the Pilots. 

The New York Herald, New York, October 26, 1873. . . 136 

October 29, 1873. . . 137 

Letter from the New York and New Jersey Pilots, New York, 

November 11, 1873. ..... 138 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Enchantress Goes to Cowes. 

Letter from the New York Pilots. New York, October 29, 1873. . 140 

The New York Times, New York, November 2, 1873. . . 140 

The New York Herald, New York, November 9, 1873. . . 140 

The Spirit of the Times, New York, December 27, 1873. . 141 

The Field, London, February 28, 1874. . . .141 

Bell's Life in London, London, May 2, 1874. . . 142 

May 30, 1874. . . . 142 

The Field, London, July 4, 1874. . . . . . 145 



CHAPTER VIII. 

An International Yacht Race. 

societe dbs regates du havre. 

Official Circular, Havre, March 15, 1874. . ... 146 

Official Circular, Havre, le 25 Juillet, 1874. . . .148 

Bell's Life in London, London, August, 1, 1874. . . 150 

The Field, London, August 1, 1874. . . . .156 

CHAPTER IX. 

The International Channel Match, 
yacht club de france. 

Official Circular of the Yacht Club de France and of the Royal 

Albert Yacht Club . . . .161 



CONTENTS. 



The Commercial Advertiser, Ncav York, July 29, 1874. . 16S 

The New York Times, New York, July 31, 1874. . .164 

Bell's Life in London, London, August 1, 1874. . . . 164 

TheFifeld, London, August 1, 1874 -171 

Hunt's Yachting Magazine, London, September, 1874 . . . 180 



CHAPTER X. 



The Prince of Wales's CnAiiLENGE Cup Race. 

Royal Yacht Squadron Official Programs. , . . • • 183 

Bell's Life in London, London, August 8, 1874 184 

The Field, London, August 8, 1874 185 

The Daily News, London, August 10, 1874 186 

The Field, London, August 15, 1876. 187 

Hunt's Yachting Magazine, London, September 1874. . . . 188 



CHAPTER XI. 

Mr. Loubat's First European CHALiiENGE. 

The Times, London, August 14, 1874 190 

Bell's Life in London, London, August 15, 1874. . . 190 

TheField, London, August 15, 1874 191 

The Evening Express, New York, August 15, 1874, . . . 191 



CHAPTER XIL 

The Enchantress in England. 

The Fly Away, . . , . . . . . 19a 

The Yankee Boat. ...... 194 

The Field, London, October 10, 1874. .... 195 

The EveniDg Post, New York, November 24, 1874. . 195 

The Field, London, October 17, 1874. . . . . 199^^ 

The Hampshire Advertiser, Southampton, October 17, 1874. 199 

The Field, London, October 31, 1874. .... 200 



CONTENTS. XI. 



CHAPTER Xin. 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden. 

The Times, London. July, 1875 ..... 201 

Brentano's Aquatic Monthly, New York, April, 1879. . 204 

The New York Times, New York, August 9, 1875. . . 206 

The American Register, Paris, September 25, 1875. . 217 

The Commonwealth, Boston, November 6, 1875. . . . 218 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Mr. Loubat's Cup to the Royal Albert Yacht Club. 

The Evening Post, New York, July 7, 1875. . . . 223 

Hunt's Yachting Magazine, London, September, 1875. . 224 

Letter of Thanks from the Royal Albert Yacht Club. . . 227 



CHAPTER XV. 

The Yacht Racing Association. 
SaUing Rules, 1876 ...... 228 

CHAPTER XVL 

The Rule op the Road at Sea. 

The Field, London, April 8, 1876. .... 239 

" " '* September, 1876. . . . .240 

'* " May 27, 1876. .... 241 

The Rule of the Road at Sea. . . . . .242 

CHAPTER XVIT. 

Mr. Loubat's Second European Challenge. 

The American Register, Paris, April 15, 1876. . . 243 

Bell's Life in London, London, April 15, 1876. . . 244 



Xll. CONTENTS. 

The Field, London, April 15, 1876. . . . - . 245 

Land and Water, London, April 15, 1876, . . . 245 

Hunt's Yachting Magazine, London, May 1876. . . . 246 

The New York Herald, New York, April 16, 1876. . . 246 

Galignanis Messenger, Paris, April 18, 1876. . . . 247 

The American Kegister, Paris, June 27, 1876. . . 247 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Loubat Cape May Cup Race. 

The New York, Herald, New York, March 26, 1875. . . 249 

The New York Times, New York, August 23, 1876. - . 250 

The New York Herald, New York, October 15, 1876. . . 251 

CHAPTER XIX. 

MiSCEIiliANEOUS. 

The Eield, London, October 6, 1877. . . . .258 

The Illustrated Sporting Dramatic Times, New York, June 12, 1878. 258 
Sunday Times & Noah's Weekly Messenger, New York, July 14, 1878. 263 

CHAPTER XX 

The New York Pilot Boat Joseph E. Loubat, No. 16. 

The Pilot's Invitation, New York, December 14, 1880. . * .267 

The New York Herald, New York December 19, 1880. . 268 

The New York Times, New York, December 19, 1880. . . 269 

The World, New York, December 19, 1880. . . .270 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Death of Captain Robert Fish. 

The Sun, New York, January 18, 1883. ... . .271 

" January 20, 1883. .... 273 

The World, New York, January 20, 1883. . . . .274 

The World, New York, March 24, 1887. . . . 272 



LIST OF PLATES. 



y 

1. Captain Robert Fish, — frontispiece. 

/ 

2. The Amekica, . . . . . . Pag^, 16 

/ 

3. The International Channel Match, . . . . 161 

3. The Enchantress, ........ 193 

y 

4. The New York Pilot Boat Joseph F, Loubat, No. 16, 267 



A YACHTSMAN'S SCRAP BOOK. 



CHAPTER 1, 



THE NEW YOKK YACHT CLUB. 



The Evening Post, New York, July 1, 1874. 

THE NEW YOKK YACHT CLUB. 

THE ORIGINAL MEETING-. 

On the afternoon of the 30th of July, 1844, a number of 
gentlemen, in pursuance of a previous notice, assembled on board 
the yacht Gimcrack, then lying off the Battery, for the purpose 
of organizing a yacht club. There were present John C. Stevens, 
Hamilton Wilkes, John C. Jay, George L. Schuyler, Louis A. 
Depau, George B. Hollins, James M. Waterbury and James 
Rogers. At that meeting it was resolved that the title of the 
club be the l^Qyi York Yacht Club; that the gentlemen present 
be the original members of the club ; that John C. Stevens be 
commodore thereof ; and that a committee of five be appointed by 
the commodore to report rules and regulations for the government 
of the club. The following gentlemen were appointed, namely : 
John C. Stevens, George L. Schuyler, John C. Jay, Hamilton 
Wilkes, Captain Rogers. It was further resolved that the club 



2 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

should make a cruise to JN'ewport, Rhode Island, under command 
of the commodore, and Friday, August 2, at 9 o'clock a.m., was 
the time appointed for starting. At this meeting the following 
yachts were represented : 

Gimcrack John 0. Stevens 

Spray Hamilton Fish 

Cygnet William Edgar 

La Coquille John C. Jay 

Dream George L. Schuyler 

Mist Louis A. Depau 

Minna James M. Waterbury 

Petrel George B. Eollins 

Ida Captain Rogers 

THE FIRST CRIJISE. 

On the 2d of August the foregoing yachts, with the exception 
of the Ida, sailed on the first cruise of the Jtlew York Yacht 
Club. The fleet stopped at Huntington, on Long Island, New 
JEaven, Gardiner's Bay and Oyster Pond Point, arriving at New- 
port on Monday afternoon, August 5, and leaving again for New 
York on the 11th. From these modest beginnings thirty years 
ago, has grown the present magnificent fleet composing the New 
York Yacht Squadron, numbering thirty-eight schooners, twenty- 
two sloops and nine steamers. 

THE FIRST DINNER AND THE FLAG. 

The next meeting of the club was held at Windust's, in this 
city on the 17th of March, 1845. Some routine business was 
transacted ; new members were elected, and the secretary was 
requested to have a flag ready for exhibition at the next meet- 
ing. The first Yacht Club dinner took place at the Astor House 
on the 9th of April, 1845. At a meeting at Delmonico's on 
June 3, 1845, a flag was adopted. 

THE FIRST RACE. 

The first trial of speed between the yachts took place on the 
ITth of July, 1845, from off the Elysian Fields, under the di- 



The New York Yacht Clich. 3 

rection of the Committee of the Regatta, the following yachts 
entering for the race : Cygnet, 45 tons ; Sibyl, 42 tons ; Spray, 
37 tons ; La Coquille, 27 tons ; Minna, 30 tons ; Gimcrack, 25 
tons ; Newburgh, 33 tons ; Addy, 17 tons ; The Lancet, 20 tons. 

THE OLD CLUB HOUSE A.T HOBOKEN. 

At that time the Yacht Club House was at the Elysian 
Fields, Hoboken. Old members will. remember its charming lo- 
cation and the pleasant dinners which were had there in early 
spring, and during the yachting season. On the 18th of Febru- 
ary, 1846, a first appropriation of $500 was made to furnish this 
cottage Club House. On the 24th of June following, a further 
sum of $250 was appropriated for the same purpose. In those 
early days economy was more necessary, and more widely prac- 
tised than in the present age of greenbacks and " inflation." 
William Edgar, treasurer, in February, 1846, read his report of 
the receipts and expenses of the club since its formation, showing 
a balance in his hands of $881.13. 

THE MAKIA. 

Commodore Stevens's yacht, the Maria, modelled by himself, 
embodied at that time all the latest improvements in naval archi- 
tecture. She was built entirely for speed, and was for many 
years the crack boat of the squadron. But she was not destined 
to carry the flag of the New York Yacht Club abroad to achieve 
the great triumph over our English cousins at the Royal Yacht 
Squadron regatta at Cowes, in 1851. 

THE AMERICA. 

The America, whose name has since become famous among 
nautical men the world over, was built and modelled by George 
Steers for John C. Stevens, Hamilton Wilkes, George L. Schuy- 
ler, James Hamilton, J. Beekman Finlay and Edwin A. Stevens, 
who were jointly interested as her owners. She was launched 
in 1851 in this city from the yard of W. H. Brown. She was 
iJ4 feet on deck from stem to stern, and measured 170 tons, cus- 



4 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

torn house old tonnage. She was built with a stipulation that 
she should beat any vessel in the country., and any one of her 
size in England. In this event the builder was to receive 
$30,000 for her. But before she crossed the ocean she had four 
or live trials with the Maria — by the wind, with the wind free,, 
and before the wind — and the Maria proved the faster craft in 
every trial. The America was accordingly purchased for 
$20,000, and sent over to test her speed with the English yachts 
in compliance with an invitation from the members of the Koyal 
Yacht Club at Cowes. 

THE VOYAGE TO EUROPE. 

She sailed from New York on the 21st of June, 1851, with 
a crew of thirteen, all told ; and arrived at Havre on the 12th of 
July, after an excellent passage of twenty-one days, during which 
she was under the reduced canvas of a temporary suit of sails. 
At Havre she was painted and refitted before sailing for Cowes,. 
where she arrived on the 31st of July. She excited considerable 
interest among the members of the Royal Yacht Squadron and 
other yacht clubs at Cowes, and was visited by a great number 
of persons interested in nautical affairs. 

THE CHALLENGE. 

On arriving at Cowes, Commodore Stevens issued the follow- 
ing challenge : " The New York Yacht Club, in order to test 
the relative merits of the different models of the schooners of 
the Old and New Worlds, propose through Commodore Stevens 
to the Royal Yacht Squadron to run the America against any 
number of schooners belonging to any of the yacht squadrons of 
the kingdom, to be selected by the commodore of the Royal 
Yacht Squadron. The course to be in some part of the English 
Channel outside of the Isle of Wight, with at least a six-knot 
breeze. This trial of speed to be made at an early day, to be se- 
lected by the commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron. The 
fact whether there be such a breeze on the appointed day to be 
decided by the commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron. And 



The New York Yacht Club. 5 

if on that day there shall not be at least a six-knot breeze, then 
on the first day thereafter that such a breeze shall blow." Here 
was a gage thrown down to the whole kingdom, the only stipu- 
lation being that the America should be matched with schooners, 
and that she should at least have a six-knot breeze. This was 
bold language for a stranger in a strange land. But the 
Englishmen were shy, very shy, in taking up the gauntlet. 
Pinally Mr. Stevenson, of the Titania accepted the challenge. 

THE ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON REGATTA. 

Meanwhile the America was entered for the Koyal Yacht 
Squadron regatta, which came off on the 22d of August, 1851, 
at Cowes. The race was for the Royal Yacht Squadron Cup of 
J6100. There were eighteen entries. It is needless to repeat 
here the thrice-told tale of the victory of the America. Suffice 
to say that, starting at 10 o'clock a. m., she went around the 
Isle of Wight and passed the flagship as winner at 8 h., 84 m.; 
the Aurora was announced at 8 h., 58 m. ; the Bacchante 
at 9 h. 30 m. ; the Eclipse at 9 h. 45 min. ; the Bril- 
liant at 1 h. 20 min.; no account of the rest. The cup was 
awarded to the owners of the America. At a dinner given at the 
Astor House on October 1, 1851, by the New York Yacht Club 
to Commodore John C. Stevens, Edwin A. Stevens, and Colonel 
J. A. Hamilton, on their return home from their triumphal cruise 
in the America, the Commodore spoke of the race as the race 
for tlie " Queen's Cup"; and the cup won by the America has 
been misnamed the " Queen's Cup." It was, as before stated, 
the Royal Yacht Squadron Cup. 

THE RACE FOR THE QUEEn's CUP. 

The America entered for the Queen's Cup with nine 
•other yachts ; but as there was but a six-knot breeze she did not 
start with the squadron. Slie went out, however, as far as the 
Nab Light, and it is said she made one reach with the most ex- 
traordinary movement from the Nab to Stokes Bay, and by 
another tack rounded the Brilliant in gallant style. To accom- 



6 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

plish the same feat the Alarm took ten tacks and the Yolante 
made about twenty. The America did not leave the starting 
point for an hour and five minutes after the jachts had started to 
compete for the prize, but she accomplished the distance, up- 
wards of seventy-two miles, within ten minutes of the Wildfire, 
and gained in rounding forty-five minutes. If, therefore, tlie 
" Yankee," as she was called, had proceeded with the match, she 
would have won a second prize. 

THE EACE WITH THE TITANIA. 

The match between the America and Titania came off on the 
28th of August, 1851. The course appointed for the trial was 
that they should proceed outside the island to a distance 
of twenty miles southeast of the Nab Light, where a station vessel 
was to be placed, and the yachts, having rounded the same, were 
to make their way back to the Nab Light. The America was 
an easy winner. She received no more challenges. 

SUBSEQUENT HISTORY OF THE AMERICA. 

It may not be uninteresting to follow the fortunes of this re- 
markable vessel. Before leaving England, Commodore Stevens 
sold her for £5,000 to John de Blaquire, captain in the Indian 
army, who sold her to Lord Templeton, from whom she was 
bought by Mr. Pritchard, a shipbuilder at Northfleet, England, 
and rebuilt by him in 1859 and sold to H. E. Decie, who made a 
cruise in her to the Mediterranean. After that time nothing 
was heard of her until, during the late Rebellion, she was found 
by the United States frigate Wabash, scuttled in the St. John's 
Kiver, in Florida. She was raised, brought north, repaired, 
rigged, and used as a practice-ship for the cadets at the United 
States Naval Academy at Newport, in Rhode Island, and after- 
wards at Annapolis, in Maryland. On August 8, 1870, she was 
entered for the regatta against the British yacht Cambria, and 
came in fourth, making the race over the New York Yacht Club 
course in 4 h., 23 m., 51 s. Mr. Decie, during his owner- 
ship, changed her name to Camilla, under which name he 



The New York Yacht Club, 7 

made the cruise to the Mediterranean, and arrived thence at 
Savannah, in Georgia, bj way of Porto Grande, Cape de Yerd, 
in April, 1861, where he, no doubt, sold her, which accounts for 
her being on the American coast at the time of the Rebellion. 

THE WANDERER. 

The members of the New York Yacht Club have ever been 
prompt to preserve untarnished the fame and honor of the organ- 
ization. We find many instances of this in looking over the 
annals of their proceedings, and cite a notable instance of their 
action in such matters, had at a general meeting held February 
3, 1859. In a communication to the Senate from the President 
of tlie United States, January 12, 1859, the fact having been 
officially stated that a cargo of more than three hundred negros 
from the coast of Africa had been landed in Georgia, from the 
schooner Wanderer, and the vessel thus designated being on the 
list of yachts forming the New York Yacht Squadron, it was 
unanimously " resolved, that the name of the yacht Wanderer 
be erased from the list, and that William C. Corrie, proprietor 
of said yacht and a member of this club, primarily for his 
deliberate violation of the laws of the United States, but more 
especially for being engaged in a traffic repugnant to humanity 
and to the moral sense of the members of this association, be 
and he hereby is expelled from the New York Yacht Club." 

PATRIOTISM OF MESSRS. BENNETT AND IVES. 

During the first year of the Rebellion, Messrs. Bennett and 
Ives offered their yachts — the Henrietta and the Hope — to the 
United States government. They were duly accepted and com- 
missioned as revenue cutters, in which capacity they did efficient 
coast service from the port of New York down to Florida. 

THE HENRIETTA, FLEETWING AND VESTA. 

We next hear of the Henrietta in September, 1865, as beaten 
by the Fleetwing in a race around Cape May lightship. In 
October of the same year she was beaten by the Vesta over the 



8 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

same course. Nothing daunted, the Henrietta in 1866 entered 
the lists against her victors for the great Ocean Yacht Race and 
a purse of $90,000, each competitor putting up $30,000. This 
contest was at the time a subject of the deepest interest, both 
here and abroad. 

THEIR OCEAN RACE. 

/ 

On the 11th of December, 1866, these three schooners, of 
little more than two hundred tons each, assembled at Sandy 
Hook to start across the Atlantic Ocean, having chosen that in- 
clement season, as most likely to afford a quick passage. The 
Yesta, built by David Caril, and launched in 1866, was supposed 
to embody the most recent improvements in the way of sp^ed. 
The Fleetwing, built by J. B. Yan Dusen, and launched in 1365, 
was one year older. The Henrietta, modelled by William 
Tooker, and built by Henry Steers, was launched in June, 1$61, 
and was therefore at the time of the race five years old. There 
had been wonderful improvements in naval architecture ^nce 
August 2, 1492, when Columbus set sail from the little poH of 
Palos with three frail vessels to cross the same ocean in searcjh of 
the Spice Islands, the mythical kingdom of Cathay and the 
Great Kahn. Could we but see a model of the Nina or the 
Santa Maria alongside that of the Sappho, how interesting 
would be the study ! Columbus was seventy-one days at sea be- 
fore landing at St. Salvador at sunrise on the morning of Octo- 
ber 12, 1492. The three schooners of the New York Yacht 

Club from Sandy Hook were not so long in reaching Cowes. i 

'i 

The Henrietta arrived in 13 days, 21 hours, 55 minutes. 

The Fleetwing '* ♦* 14 " 6 " 10 ** 1 

The Vesta " " 14 " 6 *' 50 " 

SUBSEQUENT HISTORY OF THE HENRIETTA. 

In preparing for the Ocean E-ace, the Henrietta had her 
spars considerably reduced, and her bowsprit shortened. After 
returning home, she was laid up, and subsequently sold to R. H. 



The New York Yacht Club, 9 

Harrington, for the fruit trade, made several successful voyages, 
and was lost on the coast of Honduras, December 16, 1872, on 
a voyage to New York. 

THE SAPPHO AND THE DAUNTLESS. 

In 1869 the Sappho, W. P. Douglas, owner, made the 
shortest trip across the Atlantic, which has yet been accom- 
plished by a yacht, sailing from Kew York to Queenstown in 
12 d., 9 h., 36 m. The Dauntless, J. G. Bennett, owner, made the 
same trip the same year in 12 d., 17 h., 6 m. 

INCORPORATION OF THE CLUB. 

In 1865, an act incorporating the New York Yacht Club was 
passed by the New York Legislature. By it " Edwin A. Stevens, 
Ambrose 0. Kingsland, Alexander Major, Robert S. Hone, 
William H. McYickar, Anson Livingston, Hamilton Morton and 
such other persons as are now associated as a yacht club in the 
city of New York and may hereafter become associated with them," 
were constituted a body corporate by the name of the New York 
Yacht Club, to be located in the city of New York, for the purpose 
of encouraging yacht building and naval architecture, and the cul- 
tivation of naval science, with authority to purchase and hold 
any real or personal estate to an extent not exceeding c^e 
hundred thousand dollars. The motto of the club on its corpo- 
rate seal is, Nos Agiinur Tumidis Yelis. 

THE CLUB HOUSE ON STATEN ISLAND. 

In the spring of 1868 the club purchased from Mrs. N. H. 
Wolfe, for a Club House, a property on Staten Island, near the 
lower landing, for the sum ot $24,000, paying $9,000 cash and 
the balance remaining on mortgage. It contained two acres of 
land, sloping down to a road which separated it from the shore, 
about one mile this side of the narrows. Sitting on the wide 
piazza of the Club House — a large roomy cottage in the English 
5tyle — one sees every vessel coming into the port of New York. 
With a good glass we can distinguish the features of those on 



lo A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

deck. Until 1868 the site and Club House at the Elysian Fields, 
Hoboken, had been gratuitously furnished for the use of the club 
by John C. Stevens, Eobert. Stevens, and Edwin A. Stevens. On 
the occasion of moving to their new abode, the club, in an en- 
grossed letter to Mr. Edwin A. Stevens, expressed their high ap- 
preciation of such courtesy and liberality. The Staten Island 
property was subsequently sold. 

THE PRESENT CLUB HOUSE IN THE CITY. 

In November, 1872, the club took possession of its present 
commodious rooms, over the American Jockey Club, in the hand- 
some building on the southwest corner of Madison Avenue and 
Twenty-seventh Street. This house was originally built for club 
purposes, and is admirably adapted to its present uses. The 
Yacht Club occupy the whole of the second story, consisting of 
three rooms, comfortably and luxuriously furnished. The walls 
are covered with models of yachts. There are at least a hundred 
and twenty different models. The front room, looking upon 
Madison Avenue, contains magazines, newspapers and other 
periodicals. The walls are covered with nautical engravings. 
Over the mantelpiece, and above a beautiful model of the Sap- 
pho, which stands thereon, hangs a portrait of Commodore 
Stevens. The middle room contains large and comfortable sofas 
and writing tables. The bar-room occupies a portion of the third 
room. There are four Imndred and sixty -three members. The 
entrance fee is fifty dollars. The yearly dues are twenty-five 
dollars. 

THE MODELS OF THE YACHTS. 

The model of every yacht entered for a regatta is the prop- 
erty of the club, and is retained in its possession ; and no person 
other than a United States naval constructor shall be permitted 
to copy it, unless he shall have obtained written authority from 
the owner or builder of the yacht. 

THE ENCHANTRESS. 

The New York Yacht Club will not be formally represented 



The New York Yacht Club. 1 1 

in English waters this season ; but Mr. J. F. Loubat, an Ameri- 
can gentleman, who makes his home abroad, while on a visit to 
this country last year bought from George S. Lorillard the yacht 
Enchantress. During the past winter he has had her lengthened 
and altered in England, under the direction of her original mod- 
eller, Robert Fish, at an expense of some fifteen or twenty thou- 
sand dollars. Mr. Fish went abroad not only to superintend ihe 
lengthening of the Enchantress, but likewise to act as sailing 
master for Mr. Loubat. We wish Mr. Loubat success, and we 
have no doubt that when the Enchantress is next heard from she 
will give a good account of herself. 

THE PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE CLUB. 

The officers of the club for the year 1874: are as follows : 

Commodore — James Gordon Bennett. 

Vice-Commodore — William P. Douglas. 

Rear- Commodore — George L. Kingsland. 

Secretary — Charles A. Minton. 

Treasurer — Sheppard Homans. 

Measurer — A. Cary Smith. 

Fleet Surgeon — L. De Forest Woodruff, M.D. 

Regatta Committee — William Krebs, Edward E. 
Chase, William B. Bend. 

House Committee — ^Fletcher Westray, George W. ' 

Kidd, John G. Beresford, Thomas T. Law- 
rence, N. D. White — the secretary, ex-officAo. 



CHAPTER II. 



THE AMERICA. 



The Illustrated London News, London, Saturday, May 15, 1851. 
NEW AMERICAN YACHT. 

A yacht is now building at ]!Tew York, to complete with the 
English yachts, next summer at Cowes. 

The builder, Mr. W. H. Brown, is to receive about one-third 
more than her value (say £24 a ton) if she succeeds in outsailing 
any competitors of the same tonnage in England. Her con- 
struction is on a novel principle; drawing 10 feet, aft, she tapers 
away forward to about half that draught, and is totally without 
any gripe. Aft, her keel is about 30 inches deep, diminishing 
in depth forward, and gradually ascending in a graceful curve 
into cutwater and stem. Her tonnage, 175 tons; length, 94 ft.; 
extreme breadth, 23 ft., 6 in.; depth of hold, 9 ft. Her timbers 
are a foot apart, filled in on both sides with eighteen pigs or 
bars of iron, which weigh 12 cwt. each, and have small projec- 
tions or shoulders, which let into the timbers, and prevent any 
contact with outside planking. In addition, eighteen square 
pigs, each IJ cwt., are placed on the main keel, fitting exactly 
between the timbers. She has, therefore, upwards of 21 tons of 
ballast, built and tightly wedged into her sides. As she only 
requires about as much more ballast, it is calculated that she 
will be able to stow it with great ease, and have room to spare. 



The A^nerica. 13 

She is cross-braced inside with long iron bands, well secured to 
the timbers. The intelligent foreman, Mr. Steers, as well as the 
American gentlemen who are to own her, if she succeeds, are 
very sanguine of success. 

This is an original and spirited undertaking, and will, if suc- 
cessful, completely alter the present system of yacht architec- 
ture. We do not, however, think she can compete with the 
sharp and deep English yachts. Whatever the result may be, 
it cannot fail of being extremely interesting and valuable to both 
countries. As a model, she is artistic, although rather a viola- 
tion of the old established ideas of naval architecture. 



The Illustrated London News ^ London, Saturday, August 9, 1851. 

AKRIVAL OF THE AMERICAN CLIPPER YACHT AMERICA, OF THE 

NEW YORK YACHT CLUB. 

Accustomed as we have been to witness the symmetrical 
models of our own yacht clubs, we confess our opinion falters 
when a model of an entirely different construction, so contrary 
in every respect, both in build and rig, is presented to us. In 
our former remarks we termed the America to be "rather a vio- 
lation of the old established ideas of naval architecture," which 
all must candidly confess to be the case. In lieu of "straight 
lines," we have curved and hollow lines; instead of spars loaded 
with rigging, top hamper, and numberless small sails, we have 
stately masts with scarcely a rope to support them; the propel- 
ling power being in substance, and not- in sum. In fact, in- 
stead of the "phantom ship," we have before us a " rakish pirati- 
cal-looking craft," whose appearance in by-gone days in the 
Southern Atlantic would have struck terror into the soul of 
many a " homeward-bounder." But this yacht has traversed the 
Atlantic on a different mission; and opportunely in the year 
1851, the citizen of the States brings her for fraternal compe- 
tition with the aristocracy of our own island. 



14 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

Since her arrival she has been visited by nearly every mem- 
ber of the Squadron, and by several scientific and naval gentle- 
men, and all appear to be gratified with the inspection. As 
some discrepancy has already appeared in the accounts of the 
America we have taken some pains to verify the following. 

She was solely designed and constructed by Mr. George 
Steers, of the firm of Messrs. George and James R. Steers, of 
New York, who are now on a visit to this country in the yacht. 
To the talents of the builder, the New York Yacht Club is in- 
debted for several of the specimens which grace their list ; among 
which we may name the sloop Syren, of 85 tons ; the schooner 
Cornelia 90 tons; Sybil, 58 tons ; Cygnet, 52 ; Coquille, 37; 
several of the celebrated New York pilot boats; the W. G. Wag- 
staff, 104: tons, supposed to be the fastest vessel of her time ; 
and subsequently the well-known Mary Taylor, of 75 tons, the 
smartest vessel in the States. As it has been whispered that the 
yacht, after all, has been designed and constructed by one of 
our own countrymen, we have authority for stating that Mr. 
George Steers was born in New York, and is the son of the late 
Mr. Henry Steers, a native of Dartmouth, England, and once 
connected with our naval establishment, at Plymouth, but emi- 
grated to the United States, and established himself in that 
country. 

The America belongs to the New York Yacht Club, and is, 
according to American register, 171 tons ; she is owned by 
J. C. Stevens, Esq., the commodore of the N. Y. Y. C, and 
by Messrs. C. A. Stevens, H. Wilkes, and J. B. Finlay. Her 
dimensions are: 

Feet. In. 
Length over all 94 

Length of keel 82 

Extreme breadth 22 6 

Breadth moulded 22 

The dimensions of spars — Foremast, 79 ft. 6 in.; mainmast, 
81 ft., with 2|- in. to a foot rake to both masts; bowsprit (hollow), 



The America. i5 

32 ft., 17 of which only is outboard ; fore gaff, 24 ft. ; main gaff, 
28 ft.; main boom, 56 feet. 

She carries three standing sails, viz.: jib, foresail, and 
mainsail; the foot of the latter as well as of the jib laces to the 
boom ; she also sets a main gaff-topsail. Her f orestay is very 
heavy, and is the principal supporter of the foremast. The in- 
ternal arrangements of the America are in chaste style, with a 
due regard to comfort. The fore-cabin is 21 ft. by 8 ft., with 14 
berths (seven on either side) for the crew, besides state-cabins for 
the master and mate. The galley, or cook's department, is apart, 
between the fore and after cabins, a great desideratum in warm 
climates, which comfort, as regards the men, has been overlooked 
in our yachts. The fore-cabin is ventilated by a circular sky- 
light, 3 ft. in diameter. Between the galley and main cabin 
there are two large state-rooms; there are also two other state- 
rooms, a pantry and wash-room. 

The cock-pit, as it is termed, is a circular opening abaft, of 30 ft. 
circumference, from which is the entrance to the main cabin. On 
the starboard side is the bath-room, and on the opposite is a 
clothes and wine-room ; and under the cock-pit is the sail-room. 
The main cabin, or saloon, is fitted with sofas, of mahogany and 
velvet, corresponding furniture, with a splendid carpet. Lockers 
extend the whole length of the cabin, with plate-glass panels. 
The internal* decorations are Chinese, white and gold, with 
mahogany reliefs. On deck, by the mainmast, there is a break, 
which gives the appearance of a raised quarter-deck ; the bul- 
warks are only fourteen inches. She has a plain raking stern- 
post, and a large gilt eagle, etc., on the stern, which is elliptical. 
The workmanship of the whole is perfection. She is all smooth 
outside, and would be taken for an iron vessel by a keen eye. 
The shrouds under the line, about two-thirds down, are covered 
with white canvas, which gives her a light appearance. 

Her crew consists of seven hands before the mast, two mates, 
cook, steward, boy and master — in all, thirteen hands. 

Whatever may be the result in her trials with some of our 
fast yachts, we trust that the introduction of this novel specimen 



i6 , A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

will be the means of cultivating that good feeling which ought 
to prevail among all who contend for the palm in a fair spirit of 
rivalry. The owners are far beyond any mercenary ideas or 
speculative purposes, and, we understand^ are ready to allow her 
sailing qualities to be tested with any yacht that may be selected 
for the purpose ; and, as the gain of " a cup," or a pecuniary 
prize, is not their object, we have no doubt, ere long, we shall be 
able to record something definite on the subject. 



The Illustrated London News, London, Saturday, August ZQ,l^h\. 

THE CHALLENGE MATCH BETWEEN THE AMEKICA AND THE 

TITANIA. 

This exciting contest, in which all the yachting world has 
evinced such deep interest, took place on Thursday off the Isle 
of Wight. The America was undocked at Portsmouth dock- 
yard at half-past nine on Wednesday night, and went out of 
harbor at half-past five on Thursday morning, and at 10 A. m. 
she started from Cowes, and ran down to the Nab, which she 
left at eleven, in competition with the Titania iron schooner, 100 
tons, the property of Mr. E.. Stephenson, M. P., for a race of 
twenty miles out and twenty miles in. They started, steering 
S. E., with a strong wind from the W. N. W. At five o'clock 
the America returned in sight from Portsmouth, when about ten 
miles outside the Nab, but nothing could be seen of the Titania 
at that time. Ultimately the America completed her course and 
became the winner by 52 minutes. 



ROYAL YACHT SQUADEON EEGATTA. 
VICTORY OF THE AMERICA. 

The race at Cowes, on Friday se'night, for the Royal Yacht 
Squadron Cup of £100, furnished our yachtsmen with an op- 
portunity of "realising," as our trans-atlantic brethren would say, 




THE SCHOONER \ 



FrofH The lUustrated London News, August jo, 18^1. 




T "AMERICA." 



The America, 1 7 

what those same dwellers beyond the ocean can do afloat in com- 
petition with ourselves. None doubted that the America was a 
very fast sailer, but her powers had not been measured by 
the test of an actual contest. Therefore, when it became known 
that she was entered amongst the yachts to run for the cup on 
Friday, the most intense interest was manifested by all classes, 
from the highest to the humblest, who have thronged in such 
masses this season to the Isle of Wight ; and even her Majesty 
and the Court felt the influence of the universal curiosity which 
was excited to see how the stranger-, of whom such great things 
were said, should acquit herself on this occasion. The race was, 
in fact, regarded as a sort of trial heat, from which some antici- 
pation might be formed of the result of the great international 
contest, to which the owners of the America have challenged 
the yachtsmen of England, and which Mr. E.. Stephenson, the 
eminent engineer has accepted, by backing his own schooner, the 
Titania, against the America. 

Among the visitors on Friday were many strangers — French- 
men en route for Havre, Germans in quiet wonderment at the 
excitement around them, and Americans already triumphing in 
the anticipated success of their countrymen. The cards contain- 
ing the names and colours of the yachts described the course 
merely as being " round the Isle of Wight ;" the printed pro- 
gramme stated that it was to be "round the Isle of Wight, inside 
Noman's Buoy and Sandhead Buoy, and outside the Nab." The 
distinction gave rise, at the close of the race, to questioning the 
America's right to the Cup, as she did not sail outside the Nab 
Light ; but this objection was not persisted in, and the Messrs. 
Stevens were presented with the Cup. The following yachts 
were entered. They were moored in a double line. No time al- 
lowed for tonnage : — 





Tona. 


Owners. 


Beatrice, schooner 


..161 . 


Sir W. P. Carew. 


Volante, cutter 


..48 . 


Mr. J. L. Craigle. 


Arrow, cutter 


..84 . 


Mr. T. Chamberlayne. 


Wyvem, schooner . . 


..205 . 


The Duke of Marlborough. 


lone, schooner 


.. 75 . 


. Mr. A. Hill. 



i8 



A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 





Tons. 


Owners. 


Consta.Tice, schooner 


.. 218 


The Marquis of Conyngham. 


Titania, schooner . . 


.. 100 


Mr. R. Stephenson. 


Gipsy Queen, schooner 


., 160 


. . Sir H. B. Hoghton. 


Alarm, cutter 


.. 193 


. . Mr. J. Weld. 


Mona, cutter 


.. 82 


Lord A. Paget. 


America, schooner . . 


.. 170 


Mr. J. B. Stevens, &c. 


Brilliant, 3-mast schoonei 


• 392 


Mr. G. H. Ackers. 


Bacchante, cutter 


.. 80 


Mr. B. H. Jones. 


Freak, cutter 


..60 . 


. Mr. W. Curling. 


Stella, cutter 


..65 . 


Mr. R. Frankland. 


Eclipse, cutter 


..50 . 


Mr. H. S. Fearon. 


Pernande, schooner 


..127 . 


Major Martyn. 


Aurora, cutter 


..84 . 


Mr. T. Le Merchant. 



At 9.55 the preparatory gun was fired from the club house 
battery, and the yachts were soon sheeted from deck to topmast 
with clouds of canvas, huge gaff-topsails and balloon-jibs being 
greatly in vogue, and the America evincing her disposition to 
take advantage of her new jib by hoisting it with all alacrity. 
The whole flotilla not in the race were already in motion, many 
of them stretching down towards Osborne and Ryde to get good 
start of the clippers. Of the list above given the Titania and 
the Stella did not start, and the Fernande did not take her 
station (the latter was twice winner in 1850, and once this year ; 
the Stella won once last year). Thus, only fifteen started of 
which seven were schooners, including the Brilliant (three 
masted schooner), and eight were cutters. At 10 o'clock the 
signal gun for sailing was fired, and before the smoke had well 
cleared away the whole of the beautiful fleet was under weigh 
moving steadily to the east with the tide and a gentle breeze. 
The start was effected splendidly, the yachts breaking away like 
a field of race horses ; the only laggard was the America, which 
did not move for a second or so after the others. Steamers, 
shore-boats, and yachts of all sizes buzzed along on each side of 
the course, and spread away for miles over the rippling sea — a 
sight such as the Adriatic never beheld in all the pride of 
Venice ; such, beaten though we are, as no other country in the 
world could exhibit ; while it is confessed that anything like it 



The America, 19 

was never seen, even here, in the annals of yachting. Soon after 
they started a steamer went off from the roads, with the mem- 
bers of the sailing committee, Sir B. Graham, Bart., Commodore 
Royal Yacht Squaldron, and the following gentlemen : — Lord 
Exmouth, Capt, Lyon, Mr. A. Fontaine, Captain Ponsonby, 
Capt. Corry, Messrs. Harvey, Leslie, Greg, and Reynolds. The 
American Minister, Mr. Abbott Lawrence, and his son, Col. 
Lawrence, attache to the American legation, arrived too late for 
the sailing of the America, but were accommodated on board 
the steamer, and went round the island in her ; and seyeral 
steamers, chartered by private gentlemen or for excursion trips, 
also accompanied the match. 

The Gipsy Queen, with all her canvas set, and in the 
strength of the tide, took the lead after starting, with the Bea- 
trice next, and then, with little difference in order, the Yolante, 
Constance, Arrow, and a flock of others. The America went 
easily for some time under mainsail (with a small gaff-topsail of 
a triangular shape, braced up to the truck of the short and slen- 
der stick which serves as her main topmast), foresail, fore-staysail 
and jib; while her opponents had every cloth set that the Club 
regulations allow. She soon began to creep upon them, passing 
some of the cutters to windward. In a quarter of an hour she 
had left them all behind, except the Constance, Beatrice, and 
Gipsy Queen, which were well together, and went along smartly 
with the light breeze. The yachts were timed off I^oman's Land 
buoy, and the character of the race at this moment may be 
guessed from the result: 





H. 


M. 


s. 


^ 


H. 


M. 


s. 


Volante 


11 


7 





Beatrice 


...11 


9 


15 


Freak 


11 


8 


20 


Alarm 


...11 


9 


20 


Aurora 


11 


8 


30 


Arrow , 


...11 


10 





Gipsy Queen 


11 


8 


45 


Bacchante . . . . 


... 11 


10 


15 


America 


11 


9 














The other six were staggering about in the rear, and the Wy- 
vern soon afterwards hauled her wind and went back towards 
Oowes. 



20 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

The America speedily advanced to the the front and got clear 
away from the rest. Off Sandown Bay, the wind freshening, 
she carried away her jibboom ; but as she was well handled, the 
mishap produced no ill effect, and during a lull which came on 
in the breeze for some time subsequently, her competitors gained 
a trifling advantage, but did not approach her. Off Yentnor the 
America was more than a mile ahead of the Aurora, then the 
nearest of the racing squadron; and hereabouts the number of 
her competitors were lessened by three cutters, the Yolante hav- 
ing sprung her bowsprit, the Arrow having gone ashore, and the 
Alarm having staid by the Arrow to assist in getting her off 
But from the moment the America had rounded St. Catherine's 
point, with a moderate breeze at S. S. W., the chances of coming 
up with her again were over. The Wildfire, which, though not 
in the match, kept up with the Stranger for some time, was soon 
shaken off, and of the vessels in the match, the Aurora was the 
last that kept her in sight, until, the weather thickening, even 
that small comfort was lost to her. As the America approached 
the Needles, the wind fell, and a haze came on, not thick enough 
however, to be very dangerous ; and here she met and passed 
(saluting with her flag) the Victoria and Albert Eoyal yacht, 
with her Majesty on board. Her Majesty waited for the Aurora 
and then returned to Osborne, passing the America again in the 
Solent. About six o'clock, the Aurora, being some five or six 
miles astern, and the result of the race inevitable, the 'steamers 
that had accompanied the yachts bore away for Cowes, where 
they landed their passengers. The evening fell darkly, heavy 
clouds being piled along the northern shore of the strait ; and 
the thousands who had for hours lined the southern shore, from 
"West Cowes long past the Castle, awaiting anxiously the appear- 
ance of the winner, and eagerly drinking in every rumor as to 
the progress of the match, were beginning to disperse, when the 
peculiar rig of the clipper was discerned through the gloom, and 
at 8 h. 34 m. o'clock (railway time, 8 h, 37 m., according to the 
Secretary of the Royal Yacht Squadron) a gun from the flag-ship 
announced her arrival as the winner of the cup. The Aurora was 



The America, 2 1 

announced at 8 h. 58 m.; the Bacchnnte at 9 h. 30 m. ; the Eclipse 
at9h. 45 m. ; the Brilliant at 1 h. 20 m. (Saturday morning). No 
account of the rest. 

On the evening after the race there was a very brilliant and 
effective display of fireworks by land and water along the Club 
House Esplanade, at which 6000 or 7000 persons were present. A 
reunion took place at the club house ; and the occasion was taken 
of Mr. Abbott Lawrence's presence to compliment him on the 
success of his countrymen. His Excellency acknowledged the 
kindness in suitable terms, and said that, though he could not but 
be proud of the triumph of his fellow-citizens, he still felt it was 
but the children giving a lesson to the father. 

On Saturday evening the America sailed from Cowes to Os- 
borne, in consequence of the intimation that the Queen wished 
to inspect her. The Yictoria and Albert also dropped down to 
Osborne. At a quarter to six, the Queen embarked in the State 
barge, accompanied by his Boyal Highness Prince Albert and 
suite, and on nearing the America, the national colors of that 
vessel were dipped, out of respect to her Majesty, and raised 
again when her Majesty had proceeded on board. Her Majesty 
made a close inspection of the America, attended by Commodore 
Stevens, Colonel Hamilton, and the officers of the yacht. The 
Queen remained on board half an hour, and expressed great ad- 
miration of the general arrangements and character of this fam- 
ous schooner. On her Majesty leaving, the American colors 
were again dipped, and her Majesty proceeded in the barge to 
Osborne, where she arrived at half -past six o'clock. 

HER majesty's^ CUP. 

On Monday the contest was for the splendid cup presented 
by her Majesty, and took place at Ryde. Up to the hour of 
starting it had been fully expected that the American clipper 
would give another proof of her extraordinary powers, and great 
was the disappointment when the announcement was made that 
she would not start. The following were the entries for the 
Queen's Cup, the course being round the Isle of Wight : — 



22 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

YACHTS. TONS. OWNEBS. FLAGS. 

Volante 48 J. L. Craigie, Esq White. 

Fernande 127 Major Martyn Purple and orange. 

Surprise 15 W. H. Woodhouse, Esq. .White, black Maltese. 

America 170 Commodore Stevens Blue, with stars. 

Alarm 193 J. Weld, Esq Eed and white. 

Wildfire 42 F. Thynne, Esq Blue and white chequered 

Fanny 92 H. Young, Esq 

Bacchante 80 B. H. Jones, Esq Blue and white cross. 

Constance 218 Marquis of Conyngham. .Blue, with red hand. 

Destiny 107 0. P. Leslie, Esq 

At ten o'clock the yachts took their station off Ryde pier, 
when, in consequence of there not being the desideratum for the 
America— viz.: a six-knot breeze, she declined starting with the 
squadron, and the Fernando and the Constance were also with- 
drawn. 

At ^YQ minutes after ten o'clock the starting gun was fired 
from the commodore's yacht, the Brilliant, when the Wildfire, 
belonging to the Cork Regatta Club (which, though not in the 
race on Friday, headed the American clipper for a considerable 
distance on that occasion), was the first to get under weigh 
towards the westward with a light breeze from the W. S. W., 
with a strong ebb tide, followed by the Bacchante, and close in 
her lee by the Yolante and Alarm. 

The Needles were rounded as follows : 

H. M. S. 

Wildfire 1 15 

Bacchante , 1 18 

Volante 1 23 

Alarm 1 23 

In making up to the starting point off Ryde, the Volante, 
who appeared to have been rather badly handled, made a series 
of short tacks, and the Alarm taking advantage of this, made a 
long tack, and succeeded in first arriving off the Brilliant 
schooner, when the signal gun proclaimed her victorious. The 
following is the time of arrival : 



The America, 23 

H. M. s. 

Alarm 5 26 

Bacchante 5 30 

Volante 5 30 

Wildfire 5 31 

Just before the vessels above-named had got in, the raking 
America was seen making her way round the Nab Light, and, 
with a most extraordinary movement, made one reach from the 
light to Stroke Bay, and by another tack rounded the Brilliant 
in gallant style. To accomplish the same feat that the America 
had performed, the Alarm took ten tacks, and the Yolante made 
at least twenty for the same distance. Although not in the 
match, and not leaving the starting point, as has been stated, for 
sixty-five minutes after the rest, the " Yankee " clipper, now be- 
come the wonder of the south, rounded the Brilliant at 5:41, there- 
by accomplishing the distance within ten minutes of the Wildfire, 
and gaining in round numbers, forty- five minutes. Had the 
America, therefore, proceeded into the match at the appointed 
hour, there can be no doubt that the same fortunate result would 
here have greeted the " flying stranger," as she succeeded in 
obtaining last week at Cowes against the entire Royal Yacht 
Squadron. 

At about six o'clock, the visitors on the pier were much sat- 
isfied on observing the Fairy steam-yacht approaching from the 
direction of Osborne, with the Royal standard flying from the 
main; and it was soon made known that Her Majesty, Prince 
Albert, and the Royal children were on board, who had come 
down to witness the yachts which had contended for the prize 
which it is Her Majesty's intention to confer annually upon the 
club. After coming opposite the pier, and receiving the hearty 
plaudits of the spectators, the Fairy proceeded on her return to 
Osborne. 

The day being tlie birthday of His Royal Highness Prince Al- 
bert, a Royal salute was fired from the club-house in honor of 
that day and a similar demonstration was made by the Yen- 
geance, 90, lying at Spithead, which was gaily dressed with 



24 



A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 



colors of all nations from stem to stern. There were also sev- 
eral sailing and rowing matches among the small craft of that 
place, the funds for which were provided bj Her Majesty. 

The America was fully described in our journal for August 
9. As many of our readers may not be conversant with the 
technicalities of ship-building terms, we have endeavored in the 
accompanying diagram, to give the relative position of the beam 
(or extreme breadth), as it occurs in the old style of yacht, and in 
the America. 




""ssp^ 



Fig. 1. respresents the shape of vessels on the old plan- 
dotted line being the position of the beam. 
Fig. 2. Plan of the America. 



-the 



CHAPTER III. 



THE ENCHANTKESS 



Land and Water, London, July 1, 1871. 
THE AMERICAN SCHOONER YACHT ENCHANTRESS. 

THIS is a new vessel, built by Mr. Fish, owned by Mr. 
Lorillard, and sailed by Captain Keuben Xing ; and all 
four — the vessel, her builder, owner, and sailing master — are per- 
fect types of their several species as produced on the other side of 
the Atlantic. This, perhaps, conveys no impression to those 
people who are not acquainted with the Americans and their 
yachts, and we may therefore be permitted to say that, taken in 
the order already named, the four are respectfully beautiful, 
talented, accomplished, and bold. The Enchantress, lying where 
she DOW does among a cluster of English yachts in Cowes har- 
bor, looks lovely ; so graceful and so rakish ; so taut and yet so 
well balanced ; so racer-like, and yet so stiff and safe. A little 
to the south of Bannister Quay, where she is lying, there are a 
good many schooners ; one, the very last launched from the yard 
of a celebrated builder, and truly theylare hideous by comparison 
with the stranger. They seem all of one pattern, wall-sided, 
straight-sheared, sharp-ended boxes, while she looks like a swan 
sitting on the water. Mr. Fish, her constructor, is renowned as 
a most successful designer of yachts, and many hundreds of ves- 
sels of all sizes, perhaps the most celebrated of which are the 
Truant, the Challenge, and the Meteor, owe their being to him. 
It is not our present business, however, to discuss men, but ships, 
and having introduced the Enchantress with these remarks on 



26 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

lier general appearance and the characteristics of her people, we 
will describe the vessel in detail. 

The Enchantress is a large vessel of some 300 tons or more. 
She is broad in the beam, and shows a rather low freeboard, 
with a great deal of shear, and she has raking masts and bow- 
sprit with a steave, so that thus far we look upon comparatively 
familiar forms ; but below water she is after a new pattern, 
which is as yet strange both in America and England. Although 
this shape may claim to come originally from America, yet the 
most conspicuous example of it, so far as we know, is now sail- 
ing her trial matches, having been launched under the name of 
the Livonia only a few weeks back at Cowes. "We see the shape 
therefore produced both in England and America, and certainly 
in America first ; but it is better to call it " new " than to give 
it any nationality, because it is so totally unlike any of the 
models which we are accustomed to regard as peculiar to either 
one country or the other. 

This strange form of the immersed body of the vessel has its 
origin in the peculiar shape of the midship section. The direct 
resistance, orj in other words, the area of this section, is reduced 
until it is the smallest possible, or, at any rate, the smallest we 
ever saw. One of the ideal "racing machines" is here realized ;^^ 
not the simple plank on edge, with its lower extremity weighted ;. 
but the two planks — one on edge affording the lateral resistance 
and one (lying flat) nailed on top of it, affording the stability. 
She is a vessel with a deck and keel, and little else ; the only 
modification of this exaggerated form being that the junction of 
the two is not pronounced in a sharp angle, but is affected by 
the interposition of curves in the transverse sections. Here is a 
sketch of her midship section ; not drawn to scale from a model 
or correct draught, but merely by eye and from memory : 

To look at this section and realize to oneself that at no other 
place is this vessel even so bulky as this, must impress one with 
the fact that there is very little of her anywhere. She , is, 
fact, the leanest ship we ever saw. The Livonia has the same sort 
of " hollow " bottom, as it may be called ; but her bilge is muck 



The Enchantress, 27 



fuller, and extends further down into the water, than that of the 
Enchantress, and, as a consequence, we find the Livonia started 
with 70 tons of ballast (how much more she has now we can't 
exactly say), while the Enchantress, which is a much larger 
vessel, has but 60. Both these vessels depend chiefly for their 
stability (at least, so we think) on their form ; and if this be so, 
a very curious and interesting question arises as to why the 
Livonia proved tender — too tender to race, and the Enchantress 
stiff enough to brave the Atlantic, and prove herself a safe and 
good sailor in all weathers. In the first place, we must be un- 
derstood to agree with our correspondent " C. E. S.," who wrote 
a letter about the Livonia the other day, when he seems to doubt 
the accuracy of calculations which go to show the Livonia's cen- 
tre of gravity to be below her centre of buoyancy. We cannot 
imagine such to be the case ; and, supposing we are right, the 
answer to the question as to why the Livonia was more tender 
than the Enchantress would seem to be that her bilge is un- 
necessarily full — that is to say, this bulky part of the hull is too 
deeply immersed, and in piling in the ballast to sink the vessel 
to her proper water-line, the centre of gravity was raised faster 
than the centre of buoyancy. This has been pointed out before, 
but then the Enchantress was not here to bring forward, as an 
instance of a larger vessel with nearly the same proportion of 
depth to breadth, with a less powerful bilge, and carrying less 
ballast, and yet being stiffer altogether. The moral of all thia 
is that to strive after a combination of stability by form and 
stability by ballast is vain. If you go in for a stiff shape, it 
seems better to make no concessions to the requirements of the 



28 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

opposition sort of stability, and give up all hope of getting the 
centre of gravity below the centre of buoyancy. 

In addition to having a lean middle piece, the Enchantress has 
fine ends. Her bows are, perhaps, not finer than the Livonia's, 
but her after end certainly is, and especially at her load-water- 
line, where instead of a full curve nearly all the way from the 
greatest breadth to the stern post, we have here a Scott 
Eussell wave line. Below this again, the water-lines at 
both ends are extremely sharp ; and four or five feet beneath 
the surface of the water there is scarcely any body to the vessel 
at all. 

The stern is of the usual American graceful form, and joins 
the keel at a round-up forefoot. The keel, liowever, contrary 
to the modern custom, is nearly straight; and it has considerable 
drag, so that the draught aft is some feet more than it is for- 
ward. The stern-post rakes about three or four feet, and the 
counter is rather long and slight. 

With this much description, and with the help of the sketch 
of her mid-ship section, those who take an interest in the subject 
and have not an opportunity of seeing the vessel for themselves, 
may be able to form an idea of the shape of the Enchantress's hull. 
Beyond this, however, it would be quite impossible to give a fair 
idea of her general appearance to any one who does not know the 
sort of thing to expect, and even those who saw the Sappho, Daunt- 
less, and Meteor last year would not be quite prepared for the 
Enchantress. She is handsomer and more rakish ; and a visit 
to the island only for a look at her, would be well repaid. We 
have read legends of slavers, and pirates, and buccaneers, and 
corsairs, and the like, with long, low, black hulls, and towering 
spars ; and, behold, in this vessel we have the realization of all 
the most f acinating pictures of such that Marryatt ever drew, or 
youthful imagination ever invented. Although her spars are to 
our English eyes quite gigantic, yet she is in cruising trim ; in 
proof of which it may be asserted that though a larger vessel, 
yet she has the poor old Meteor's mainsail now bent ; and the 
Meteor's hemp shrouds too are over her mast heads. Still, her 



The Enchantress. 29 

people say that, rigged as she is now, she can fly ; and — although 
we are persuaded that her hull below water is not the shape that 
salt water likes — yet we can readily believe the report, and if 
asked why, should say because she is so "fine " and so " fair." 

A good sea-boat she has proved herself to be. She has been 
seen running before a heavy gale of wind in the Atlantic, with 
both gaff-topsails aloft, when the sea was so high that the large 
vessels near her have been hove-to and their decks swept. 

Now whv cannot a match be made between this vessel and 
the Livonia ? Although the Enchantress's racing sails are in 
Kew York, we hardly think this would prove an obstacle ; for 
Americans are too fond of sport to let anything stand in the way 
of a good match ; and if the proposal was made, there can be 
very little doubt that it would be accepted ; and the match would 
be far more interesting than any of those which the Cambria 
sailed against the Americans last season and the season before. 



The Daily Telegraqh, JSt. Johns, New Brunswick, July 25, 1873. 
THE ENCHANTEESS. 



This beautiful yacht made her appearance in the harbor yes- 
terday afternoon, and signalled her advent by firing a salute, 
which was returned by one of the ships loading on the Carleton 
side. In a short time one of our staff boarded her, and was very 
courteously received by the owner, J. F. Loubat, Esq., of New 
York, who showed him over the vessel. Outwardly, the En- 
chantress is a very rakish looking craft, with a very sharp bow, 
fine lines forward, and a very long overhanging counter. She 
has a moderately flat floor, and is not too much cut away on the 
bilge, so that, although very fast, she is weatherly and a very 
dry boat for a yacht. She measures 136 feet over all, and is 
115 feet long on the water line, 112 feet 6 inches on the keel. 
She is 24: feet beam, 11 feet hold, and her draft of water is 13 
feet 6 inches. She is a keel yacht. Her official measurement 



30 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

is 118 tons, but she would probably approach 200 tons car- 
penters' measurement. This vessel was built two years ago by 
Mr. Lorillard, of ISTew York, as a cruising yacht, and as 
comfort was considered of more account than speed, she was 
arranged with a view to furnish the largest amount of ac- 
commodation for her inmates. How far this design has 
been successful can be seen at once by the most casual 
glance at her cabins, which are of the amplest character. 
The main cabin is amidships and is very large, and the state 
rooms are on an equally ample scale. The after part of the 
vessel is occupied by a saloon after the English model, a capital 
lounging place in the day time, and at night furnishing com- 
fortable sleeping quarters to those who are too indolent or feel 
disinclined to go to bed. Forward are the ice-houses, the pantry, 
the galley, and the quarters of the steward and crew, the latter 
being amply provided for and supplied with all necessary con- 
veniences for their safety as well as their comfort. The fittings 
of the cabins are of the most substantial and elegant description. 
The Enchantress belongs to the New York Yacht Club, and was 
purchased from Mr. Lorillard some time ago by her present 
owner, Mr. Loubat. He is accompanied in his present cruise 
by two friends. Dr. F. G. Snelling and Mr. Gardiner Sherman, 
Jr. Mr. Robert Fish, the celebrated yacht designer, is also on 
board this, the finest of his productions. The sailing master of 
the Enchantress is Reuben King, the first mate, William Dand, 
and the Sandy Hook pilot, Peter H. Roff. The crew numbers 
18 men all told. 

When Mr. Loubat left New York, in his fine yacht, he 
intended to go to New London, but concluded to come further 
east, and arrived some days- ago at Mount Desert, which he left 
on Wednesday at 6 p. m., arriving here early yesterday afternoon. 
It is his intention to spend some days here, perhaps to go up 
river and to cross the bay. It is quite likely that the yacht will 
go to Halifax, calling at one or two of the ports on the Atlantic 
Coast on the way. After that the Enchantress will go to 
Europe, probably to the Mediterranean, where she has already 



The Enchantress. '- 31 

cruised two seasons. At present the vessel is in cruising trim, 
but still she is able to hold her own with all comers. TV hen 
she was being built it was predicted that she would be fast, and 
she has amply fulfilled the expectations of those interested in 
her. She is probably faster than any other yacht belonging to 
the New York Yacht Club, except the Sappho. She is kept in 
admirable order, and is provided with a steam launch, which is 
also a life boat, a most admirable and useful appendage. 



CHAPTER IV. 



-THE OCEAN EACES. 



Tlie New York Herald, New York, September 25, 1873. 

Meeting of the New York Yacht Club Last Night — Appropriation of 
$1,000 for the October Eaces. 

The Kew York Yacht Club held a meeting last night, rear 
commodore Kingsland in the chair. 

Mr. Colgate moved that the regatta committee be author- 
ized to carry out the instructions of the commodore's letter in 
regard to the October races. Carried. 

On motion of Mr. Chase the secretary was added to the com- 
mittee. 

It was moved to appropriate $1,000 to defray the expenses 
for the October races. Carried. 

The following are the prizes to be sailed for at the October 
races : — 

Cup, presented by the commodore, one for schooners and 
one for sloops, to be sailed for on the first Thursday in October 
over New York Yacht Club course ; value $500. 

Cup, presented by the commodore, to be sailed for on the 
second Thursday of October, by schooners of any organized 
yacht club, from the anchorage off Owl's Head to and round 
lightship off Cape May, and return to Sandy Hook Lightship ; 
value $1,000. 



The Ocean Races, 33 

Purses, presented by the Commodore, to be sailed for on the 
second Thursday of October (under direction of the N. Y. Y. C.) 
by pilot boats, working schooners and smacks (schooners), 
sailing from an/ port in the United States. The first 
vessel arriving to take a purse of $1,000; the first boat ar- 
riving of each of the other two classes to take a purse of $250. 
No class, however, to win more than one prize. 

Newspapers in the various seaport towns are requested to call 
the attention of owners of vessels to the conditions under which 
these two last mentioned cups are offered. Further instructions 
in regard to the races will be issued by the Regatta Committee 
from time to time. Any persons desiring to enter their boats 
or wishing any information can address Mr. Charles A. Minton, 
Secretary, No. 26 Broad Street. 



The Autumn Regatta of the New York Yacht Club and the Ocean 
Baces under its Auspices — The Conditions and Prizes of the 
Aquatic Events set down for October 2 and 3. 

The autumn regatta of the New York Yacht Club and the 
ocean races under its auspices are awaited with pleasure, and 
promise to create a great amount of interest, not only because of 
the excitement likely to be attached to them, but because of the 
confidence which many owners place in their gallant craft. The 
first named of these aquatic events will be sailed on Thursday, 
October 2, over the usual regulation course, subject to the time 
allowances and under the sailing regulations of the club. The 
prizes to be sailed for are two cups, presented by Commo- 
dore Bennett — one for schooners and one for sloops, each of the 
value of $500. The Begatta Committe, comprising Messrs. 
Fletcher Westray, "William Krebs, Edward E. Chase, and 
Charles A. Minton, have issued the official notice calling atten- 
tion to the regatta and inviting entries, which will be received 
by the Secretary of the Club, at his office. No. 26 Broad Street, 
until Tuesday morning, September 10, at ten o'clock precisely. 



34 ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

Id this contest no entrance money will be required. All yachts 
must carry their private signals at the main peak. The start 
will be a flying one, and the time of each yacht will be taken as 
she crosses a line between a stakeboat, which will be anchored in 
the Narrows, near Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, and the 
judges' steamer. The signals for starting will be given from the 
judges' boat, as follows: — For a preparatory signal, one gun 
and lowering the yacht club flag on the steamboat, and ten 
minutes later, for the start, one gun, and the flag will again be 
lowered. ISTo yacht's time will be taken later than fifteen min- 
utes after the second gun, unless instructions to the contrary are 
given by the judges on the morning of the regatta. The expira- 
tion of the time will be marked by a third gun and lowering of 
flag. If practicable, a short blast of the steam whistle of 
the judges' boat will be given when the time of each yacht is 
taken as she crosses the line in starting and returning. 

The course will be from the starting point, as above, to and 
around a stakeboat, at buoy 8J-, on the Southwest Spit, keeping it 
on the port hand in turning, thence to and around the Sandy 
Hook Lightship, keeping it on the starboard hand in rounding, 
and return over the same course, keeping the Southwest Spit 
buoy on the starboard hand. Yachts must keep to the eastward 
of buoys Nos. 9, 11 and 13 on the West Bank, going and return- 
ing, and will pass between the judges' boat and the stakeboat on 
arriving home. 

THE OCEAI^' RACES. 

The "outside" or ocean contests under the direction of the 
New York Yacht Club will be sailed one week after the autumn 
regatta, Thursday, October 9, and there is b ut little doubt these 
will be the events of the year and of a character to be remem- 
bered by all the participants. The races will embrace, first, a cup 
of the value of $1,000, presented by Commodore Bennett, to be 
sailed for by schooner yachts belonging to any organized yacht 
club, from an anchorage off Owl's Head, New York Harbor, to 
and around the Lightship on Five Fathom, off Cape May, N. J., 
and return to Sandy Hook Lightship. Second, three purses of 



The Ocean Races. 35 

the value of $1,000, $250 and $250, respectively, also presented 
by the Commodore, to be sailed for over the same course upon 
the same day, and open to the following class of vessels, hailing 
from any port in the United States : — 

First — Pilot boats. 

Second — Working schooners of not less than 25 nor over 300 
"tons, old measurement. 

Third — Schooner smacks. 

In this race the first vessel arriving at the winning post will 
take the purse of $1,000, the first vessel arriving of each of the 
other two classes to take a purse of $250, no class, however, to 
win more than one prize. These races will be sailed in accordance 
with the sailing regulations of the New York Yacht Club, which 
limits the amount of canvas to ba carried to the following : — 
Mainsail, foresail, forestaysail, jib, flying jib, jib-topsail, fore and 
main gaff-topsail and main topmast-staysail. 

The Regatta Committee, comprising the same gentlemen as 
given above, will issue specific instructions as to the course to be 
sailed and the rules governing the race, copies of which will be 
furnished upon application to the Secretary, Mr. Charles A. 
Minton, at his ofiice, on and after the 25th inst. All entries must 
be made before twelve o'clock m., October 7, to the Secretary, to 
whom inquiries relative to the race should be addressed. 

These events, occurring in the season of tlie year when fresh 
breezes are wont to abound in the bay of New York and along 
the coast, have given rise to a great deal of interest and specula- 
tion in yachting circles and among the friends and owners of the 
vessels that are invited to enter for the purses named. The 
latter contest, first of its character in this country, should call out 
the speedy pilot boats and working schooners which abound in not 
only these and adjacent waters, but in all our seaport towns, and 
thus test their sailing qualities in company with the crack yachts 
of the New York and other club fieets. In doing this mayhap 
they will accomplish more than winning a purse ; they may beat 
some more pretentious craft over the course, and thus add ad- 
ditional laurels to victory. To aid a full entry in these races it 



36 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

is desired that as much publicity as 'practicable may be given 
these conditions by all journals on the seaboard. "The more the 
merrier" on the 2nd and 9th prox. 



The New York Eerald, New York, October 8, 1873. 

THE OCEAN EACES. 

Special Instructions by the Regatta Committee of the New York Yacht 
Club — How the Competing Vessels will be Distinguished at 
night. 

There can be no question regarding the success of the ocean 
yacht races to be sailed to-morrow (Thursday), under the direc- 
tion of the New York Yacht Club. The entries, as given here- 
with, embrace six schooner yachts of such construction they 
must make good reports of themselves, notwithstanding the 
character of the weather ; and if it should happen to blow great 
guns, as it did on Monday during the Meta and Yision match,, 
the respective owners will glory in the occasion and hail the op- 
portunity as most fortunate to test their several models. The 
names of these pleasure craft that will contest for the 
$1,000 cup are the Enchantress, Alarm, Clio, Eva, Atalanta and 
Dreadnaught, a very fine fleet, indeed, and among yachtsmen 
who are acquainted with the sailing qualities of each, the event 
will produce much excitement. The performances of the En- 
chantress and Dreadnaught will be particularly watched, as Mr. 
Loubat, owner of the former, has challenged Mr. Stockwell of 
the Dreadnaught, to defend his right and title to the Cape May 
Challenge Cup on the 14:th inst., and, without doubt, the part the 
latter yacht will play in the ocean race will shape the character 
of the cup contest. Then there are formidable competitors 
in the Eva and Clio, both of which did magnificently in the 
regatta of the 2nd inst., the latter winning the schooner prize. 
And still more, the new boat of Mr. Astor, the Atalanta, whick 



The Ocean Races, 37 

displayed such qualities of speed when there was but a handful 
of wind during the late regatta, will " show her hand " around 
the "outside" course ; and again, the Alarm, which demonstrated 
what she could do in a gale and heavy seaway at Newport, last 
Summer will, it is predicted, be at the front around the Lightship 
on Five Fathom Bank. All in all, the competing yachts are 
heavy weather craft, and must give an excellent account of 
themselves from the moment they are started until the finish of 
the grand race at the Lightship off Sandy Hook. 

If there will be interest manifested in the competing yachts 
and speculation as to the probable winner, there certainly must 
be genuine excitement among the owners and their friends 
of the pilot boats that have entered for the purses presented by 
Commodore Bennett, to be sailed at the same time and over the 
same course. Seven of these staunch sea craft are on the list, and 
the several crews are exerting themselves to the utmost for the 
event. The friendly rivalry among the pilots in this matter 
is deep and earnest, and yet while each captain will strive 
to make his vessel reach the winning post in advance of all the 
others, they hope that no accidents will occur and that the 
** best boat may win." 

Still another class of those that " go down to the sea " 
are intensely interested in the races — that of those owning 
working schooners. Four of this class of vessels are entered 
for the purses, and, if report be true, among them are the 
crack craft of the waters in and about New York. Much deter- 
mination will mark the race between these boats, as each crew 
will " go in to win," and their sailing masters, as well as those 
of the pilot boats, are among the best in the country. Then 
there is a class for schooner smacks, but until late last evening 
but one entry had been received under this head. 

The Regatta Committee, comprising Messrs. Fletcher 
Westray, William Krebs, Edward E. Chase and Charles A. Min- 
ton, having the races in charge, issued a few days since the an- 
nexed specific instructions and rules to govern the events, which 
should be carefully perused by all that are concerned. 



38 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

NEW YORK YACHT CLUB. OCEAN RACES OCTOBER 9, 1873. 

The following cup and purses, presented by Commodore Ben- 
nett, will be sailed for on Thursday, October 9, 1873:— 

I. Cup of the value of $1,000, to be sailed for by schooner 
yachts belonging to any organized yacht club, from an anchorage 
off Owl's Head, New York Harbor, to and around the Lightship 
on Five Fathom Bank, off Cape May, N. J., and return to Sandy 
Hook Lightship. 

IL Three purses, of the value of $1,000, $250 and $250, re- 
spectively, to be sailed for over the same course, upon the same 
day, and open to the following classes of vessels hailing from 
any port in the United States ; — 

First — Pilot boats. 

Second — Working schooners of not less than 25, nor over 300 
tons, old measurement. 

Third — Schooner smacks. 

In this race the first vessel arriving at the winning post to 
take a purse of $1,000 ; the first vessel arriving of each of the 
other two classes to take a purse of $250. No class, however, to 
win more than one purse. 

Entries to be made to C. A. Minton, Secretary, New York 
Yacht Club, No. 26 Broad Street, New York, to whom all in- 
quiries relative to the races should be addressed. No entrance fee 
required. 

These races will be sailed in accordance with the sailing regu- 
lations of the New York Yacht Club, and the following 

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS. 

Two flagboats will be stationed off Owl's Head, about one 
mile from the shore, and competing vessels will anchor on the 
morning of the race as follows : — 

I. Yachts, fifty yards apart on a line drawn due east from 
the stakeboat stationed nearest the Narrows. 

II. Pilot boats, working schooners and smacks, fifty yards 
apart on a line drawn due east from the stakeboat stationed to 
the northward of the first line. 



The Ocean Races. 39 

In taking position in line each vessel may select its own, in 
the order of its arrival at the anchorage. Mainsails, foresails and 
gaff-topsails may be set before starting, unless otherwise ordered 
by the Kegatta Committee. 

Tachts will be required to carry their private signals at the 
main peaks, and working schooners and smacks will carry desig- 
nating numbers in the middle of their mainsails, just above the 
reef points. 

THE START. 

The competing vessels will be started at three o'clock, p. m. 
precisely, and the signals, which will be given from the judges' 
steamer the steam yacht "Herald," will be as follows : — 

For a preparatory signal — One whistle and the New York 
Yacht Club signal on the steamer will be lowered ; and, ten 
minutes after, for the start, the same signals will be repeated, 
whereupon all competing ^ vessels will weigh anchors and get 
under way. 

THE COURSE. 

The course will be from the anchorage, keeping to the east- 
ward of buoys Nos. 9, 11 and 13 on the West Bank, to and 
around buoy ISTo. 8^ on the Southwest Spit, leaving it on the port 
hand in turning, thence to and around the Cape May Lightship 
on Five Fathom Bank, leaving in on the starboard hand in turn- 
ing, and back to the Sandy Hook Lightship, passing to the west- 
ward of the same, and within 200 yards. Each vessel shall, im- 
mediately upon passing the Sandy Hook Lightship, round to and 
report to the judge stationed on board. 

APPROACHING- LIGHTSHIPS AT NIGHT. 

Any vessel approaching either lightship at night shall, when 
about half a mile distant, fire two rockets, to apprise the judge 
stationed on board that she is a competing vessel ; and any ves- 
sel other than a yacht rounding the Cape May Lightship at night 
shall, when nearest to it, flash a light upon the number in her 
mainsail, so that it may be distinquished. 



40 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

Rockets, lights and numbers for mainsails will be furnished 
upon application to the Secretary. 

The races will be governed by the following extracts from 
the sailing regulations of the club :^ 

Rule 7. 

Sails. — Yachts contending for prizes may carry sails as 
follows: — Schooners, mainsail, foresail, fore staysail, jib, 
flying jib, jib-topsail, fore and main gaff-topsails and main topmast- 
staysail. 

Rule 10. 

Objections. — If any objection be made with regard to the 
classification or sailing of any yacht in a race, such objection must 
be made in writing to the Regatta Committee before three 
o'clock, p. M. on the next day after the regatta. 

Rule 13. 

Sounding. — Nothing but a hand lead and line to be used in 
sounding during a regatta. 

Rule 14. 

Touching Buoys, &c. — ^A yacht touching any mark, boat or 
buoy used to mark out the course shall forfeit all claim to the 
prize, unless as in case specified in rule Ko. 19. 

Rule 16. 

Floors and Bulkheads. — All yachts, during a regatta, to keep 
the floors down and bulkheads standing. No starting or taking 
in water or ballast permitted within twenty-four hours of the 
time named for starting, nor any trimming by dead weight al- 
lowed. 

Rule 18. 

Courses. — Any yacht bearing away or altering her course to 
leeward, and thereby compelling another yacht to bear away to 
avoid a collision, shall forfeit all claim to the prize and pay all 
damages that may ensue, unless when two yachts are approach- 



The Ocean Races, 41 

ing the windward shore, a buoy or stakeboat together, with a 
free wind, and so close to each other that the weathermost can- 
not bear away clear of the leewardmost, and by standing further 
on would be in danger of running on shore or touching a buoy 
or stakeboat, then such leewardmost yacht, on being requested 
to bear away, is immediately to comply, and will forfeit all 
claim to the prize for not doing so. The weathermost yacht 
must, however, bear away as soon as the one she hails, if she can 
-do so without coming into contact. 

Rule 19. 

E-ounding Buoys. — ^When rounding a mark, boat or buoy the 
yacht nearest thereto is to be considered the headmost yacht ; 
and should any other yacht in the race compel the yacht which 
is nearest to any mark, boat or buoy to touch said mark boat or 
buoy, the yacht so compelling her shall forfeit all claim to the 
prize, her owner shall pay for all damages that may occur, and 
the yacht so compelled to touch a mark, boat or buoy shall not 
suffer any penalty for such contact. 

Rule 20. 

Courses. — Yachts going free must invariably give way for 
those by the wind on either tack. 

Rule 21. 

Courses. — When two yachts (by the wind) are approaching the 
shore, a buoy, or stakeboat together, and so close to each other 
that the leewardmost cannot tack clear of the weathermost, and 
by standing further on would be in danger of running on shore, 
or touching a buoy or stake boat, such weathermost yacht on 
being requested to put about, is immediately to comply, and 
will forfeit all claim to a prize for not doing so. The leeward- 
most yacht must, however, tack at the same time as the one she 
hails, if she can do so without coming into contact. 

Rule 23. 

Ruling of Kegatta Committee. — The Regatta Committee 
shall have full power to decide all questions that may arise in 



42 . A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

the sailing of the regatta, and also to exclude all yachts, which^ 
by their decision, have violated any rule of the Club. There 
shall be no appeal from the decision of this Committee. 

THE ENTRIES. 

The entries of the several classes, up to a late hour last night , 
were as follows : 

YACHTS. 

Name. Owner. Tonnage. 

Enchantress J. F. Loubat 276.16 

Alarm A. C. Kingsland 225.77 

Clio JT. B. Asten ^ ^g-^g 

/T. C. P. Bradhurst. 1 

Eva E. Burd Grubb 77.50 

Atalanta Wm. Astor 145.4:1 

Dreadnaught A. B. Stockwell. 240. 



PILOT BOATS. 




Widgeon, No. 10 N. Y. Pilots 


105.09 


Hope, No. 1 N. Y. Pilots 


132.04 


Edmund Blunt, No. 21 N. Y. Pilots 




C. H. Marshall, No. 3 N. Y. Pilots 


85.00 


James W. Elwell, No. 7 N. J. Pilots 


165.00 


Thos. S. Negus, No. 1 N. J. Pilots : 




Mary E. Fish, No. 4 N. Y. Pilots 





WORKING SCHOONERS. 

Designating Letter. 

Wm. H. Van Name A Wm. H. Van Name 180 

Reindeer B Capt. Howard 140 

Sharpshooter C . . . . . F. M. Grossman 120 

Racer D Eugene Howard — 

SCHOONER SMACKS. 

Wallace Blackford E. H. 0. Rogers & Co 80 

LIGHTS, DESIGNATING NUMBERS AND LETTERS. 

In addition to the two rockets required to be fired by each 
vessel approaching either lightships on Five Fathom Bank or 



The Ocean Races. 43 

Sandy Hook, the Regatta Committee will instruct the yachts as 
they round either of these beacons to show the following lights, 
that they may be easily distinguished . 

Enchantress, blue light; Alarm, red light; Clio, blue and 
red, one after the other ; Eva, red and blue, one after the other ; 
Atalanta, two blue lights, one after the other ; Dreadnaught, two 
red lights, one after the other. 

The pilot boats will carry their own numbers, but as there 
are duplicates on the list of entries, the Hope will be distin- 
guished by a large black ball directly under her number. 

The letters by which the working schooners and smacks are 
to be distinguished are given above. 



TTie New York Times, New York, October 9, 1873. 
THE OCEAN RACE. 

Just now the seekers after amusement must be especially diffi- 
cult to please if, in the multiplicity of attractions offered them, 
they cannot find the wherewithal to satisfy their cravings. There 
was a time when it was considered extremely doubtful if Kew 
York could support a single Italian opera, and when a single 
prima donna or tenor, either graceful or robust, was considered 
sufficient to meet all our musical requirements. Now we have 
two opera houses, in which large and fashionable audiences con- 
gregate nightly to hear not one, but half a dozen, of the fore- 
most singers in the world. The theatres are open and running 
briskly, with native and exotic talent, and they who cannot find 
something to suit them, from Salvani, all the way down to 
Sothern, from the "Midsummer Night's Dream," to the "Black 
Crook," must be indeed exacting. 

For those to whom the opera is forbidden ground^ and the 
theatre an abomination, there are the harmless pleasures of the 
lecture-room, and the miracles of the prestidigitateur. They may 
inspect the wonders of machinery at the American Institute Fair, 
or view the marvels of art at the Metropolitan Museum. They 



44 ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

may ponder over the exhumed pottery of Crete, or combine re- 
ligion with relaxation by going to the pious pantomime and 
panorama of "The Pilgrim/' where for a most considerate ex- 
penditure one may taste all the various delights, as the published 
programme informs us, of "painting, song, music, lecture, and 
grand transformation finale." And lastly, those who are fond 
of sports may choose between the races at Fordham, the rifle- 
shooting at Creedmoor, and the regatta of the Kew York Yacht 
Club. 

As the latter contest is this time to be an ocean race, it will 
probably be, if the wind holds, an exceptionally fine one, and it 
may be, as the race between the Meta and Yision on Tuesday 
showed, that our amateur mariners may have ample chance to re- 
deem themselves from the reproach of overcaution, not to say 
timidity, which has been left upon them by some episodes of the 
Summer cruise. A yacht that cannot face an ocean breeze, or 
even an ocean gale, is little better than a toy, and its racing 
hardly deserves a place among the list of manly sports. The 
main use and recommendation of yachting, next to its service in 
the improvement of marine architecture — to which we have be- 
fore adverted — the one thing that saves it from the stigma of an 
expensive idleness, is the hardihood, vigor, and contempt of 
danger that it naturally breeds. 

For this reason we would be glad to see owners oftener sail 
their own craft, instead of confiding them to professional sailors. 
It is difficult to see on what principle a yacht race so conducted 
can fairly be called an amateur contest at all. Bather would we 
see them emulate the example of Mr. Brassey, the well-known 
railway contractor and member of Parliament, who, the other 
day, passed his examination and received his full certificate as a 
qualified sailing master in all the branches of navigation — the 
first instance, it is said, of the kind on record. We wish it 
might not be the last. With a few such yachtsmen, this noble 
sport would soon acquire a new dignity and importance. And, 
we suggest, as one means towards bringing about this desirable 
result, that in future regattas a separate and distinct prize shall 



The Ocean Races, 45 

be offered for yachts which are so sailed by their owners, or at 
least by amateurs. 

A novel feature of to-day's contest will be an additional race 
open to pilot boats, working schooners, and schooner smacks, for 
which two prizes, of $1,000 and $250, are offered by the Yacht 
Club, and which has attracted a dozen entries. For the yacht 
race proper a number of our best yachts are entered, including 
the Enchantress, Alarm, Clio, Eva, Atlanta, and Dreadnaught 
and, with favoring winds, the contest should be an exceedingly 
fine one. ■ Few, of course, can hope to see much more of it 
than the start, though at least two steamers, as will be seen by 
our advertising columns, will accompany the race to Sandy Hook, 
and if the weather permits, as far as the Light-ship. All who 
enjoy this exhilaratirfg and graceful sport, and who do not fear 
the " white caps," will, we are sure, find their recompense in at- 
tending. 



The New York Herald^ New York, October 10, 1873. 
THE OCEAN EEGATTA. 

From Owl's Head to Cape May for Cup and Purse and Glory — The Clio 
Leading at Sandy Hook — The Pilot Boats and the Toilers of the Sea 
Struggling Broadside to Broadside — Brilliant Scene at Bay Eidge — The 
Fishing Schooner Blackford and Her Walk Over the Course — ''Crowd- 
ing" at the Narrows and "Bunching" at the Southwest Spit. 

The great ocean yacht race, from Owl's Head Point around 
the Southwest spit to Cape May Lightship in JSTew Jersey, and 
back to the Sandy Hook Lightship, a distance of about 140 
miles as the bird flies, and probably 250 miles when the boats 
are going free and with tacks for wind, began yesterday after- 
noon, at thirteen minutes after three o'clock. JN'o more beauti- 
ful day than Thursday, October 9, 1873, has ever been vouch- 
safed to the yachtsmen of this or any neighboring city in the 
United States. The air at an early hour of the morning was as 
delightful as the dream of a young girl; the sky was clear and of 
a piercing blue, and the sun, which in the beginning denied an 



46 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

appearance to its worshippers, came later to gladden all hearts, 
and to gild the white canvas of the boats as they lay on the blue 
expanse of water between the villa-crowned eminences of Staten 
Island, and the autumnal leaves of the crest of Bay Ridge. The 
upper bay was swarming with the sails of numerous craft gad- 
dmg about, toying and tossing and flirting with sun and air, their 
crews shouting with enthusiasm and their breasts filled with the 
ozone that made the faintest sound or the lightest laugh distinct 
as the booming of a bell over the waters of the bay. At about 
eleven o'clock the "Herald" steam yacht bearing the Kegatta Com- 
mittee, consisting of Messrs. Fletcher Westray, "William Krebs, 
Edward E. Chase and Charles A. Minton, together with the rep- 
resentatives of the press, left the Battery and passed down the 
bay, with the red cross, white star and blue ground on her bunt- 
ing, and was hailed on her track by many welcome salutations 
from the shipping, and by deafening screams from the whistles 
of steamboats which tore by with the rapidity of demons. 

OFF owl's head. 
At this point the sight was a charming one. Given the 
same number of boats, with their snowy canvas and their tall, 
unpainted masts and fairy-like rigging, it is doubtful whether 
the Bay of Naples or the Golden Horn, nor yet the Golden 
Gate of San Francisco, could furnish a surrounding of frame- 
work so deliciously still, so calm, so full of nobleness and grand- 
eur. October had brought to the perspective all her purple and rus- 
set and fading emerald glories to fill out the season's picture, the 
centre of which was a breathing flame of gold from the sun, a 
million of miles above in the great dome of the sky. As is 
usual where a number of yachts are to contest a race, they 
came slowly, some lying in at the verge of the shore of Staten 
Island, others looming down fitfully upon the middle point of 
concentration, and surging through the foam, rising from their 
bows in the blue water like so many sea birds. The "Herald" 
under the judicious management of Captain Kobinson, was 
obedient to every command of the Regatta Committee, and was 



The Ocean Races, 47 

busily engaged in delivering instructions to the different yachts, 
pilot boats and working schooners which had been entered for 
the race. E-ockets and blue lights to be burned around the bleak 
circle of Cape May Light and at the scarlet iron sides of the 
Sandy Hook f ogship, were distributed to each contesting boat by 
young Mr. Minton as the "Herald" yacht forged alongside. The 
steamers Chamberlain, William Fletcher, Arrowsmith and other 
marine caravansaries came down from the city wharves loaded 
with people and endeavoring to secure good vantage ground for 
the spectacle of a sea fight. 

THE CONTESTANTS. 

The Bennett Cup, valued at $1,000, was offered to schooner 
yachts of any organized yacht club in the United States, and three 
purses, amounting respectively to the sums of $1,000, $250 and 
$250, were offered also by Commodore Bennett to pilot boats, 
working schooners of not less than 25 or over 300 tons, old meas- 
urement, and to fishing schooner smacks. And new to tell of the 
entries to this ocean regatta, which was probably better favored 
by wind and weather than any previous regatta ever before con- 
tested on the Atlantic coast. 

Of schooner yachts there were entered the Enchantress, J. 
F. Loubat, 276 tons; Alarm, A. C. Kingsland, 225 tons; Clio, T. 
B. Asten and T. C. P. Bradhurst, 59 tons; Eva, Gen. E. B. 
Grubb, 77 tons, and the Dreadnaught, A. B. Stockwell, 240 tons. 

Of pilot boats there were entered the Widgeon, No. 10, 106 
tons; Edmund Blunt^ No. 2, 111 tons; James W. Elwell, No. 
7, 137 tons; Thomas S. Negus, No. 1, 130 tons, and Mary E. 
Fish, No. 4, 106 tons. 

The working schooners, instead of being designated by nu- 
merals, had large letters of the alphabet, nearly ten feet high 
placed on their mainsails. 

The working schooner W. H. Yan Name had the letter A on 
her mainsail, rated at 140 tons, and hails from Staten Island. 
This is a magnificent boat, painted black, and her crew boasted 
before starting that there was not a pilot boat in the race equal 



48 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

to her in model and solidity of timber. She is owned by Mr. 
W. H. Yan Name, and any person who saw her sweep by the 
point of Sandy Hook yesterday must acknowledge that she is fit 
to compete with any vessel that sails out of New York harbor. 

Next on the list of working schooners was the Reindeer, 
painted white, with the letter B on her mainsail, of 154: tons, W. 
N. Howard, master, from Cold Spring, New York. The 
Keindeer is a brick sl©op, and is staunch enough and with 
breadth of beam enough to dismantle a stone fort. 

Last, but not least, of all in the schooner smack class, came 
the little Wallace Blackford, of eighty tons, owned by H. C. 
Rogers & Co. This boat had enough hamper on her deck to 
satisfy the mind of a captain of the Black Ball Line. She bore 
the letter E on her mainsail, and the Blackford was considered 
the pride of Fulton Market fishmongers. 

Captain Baillie sailed the Widgeon, Bob Fish and Captain 
Pete Roff were on board the Enchantress, Captain Dick Brown 
sailed the Mary Fish, Captain Sam Greenwood (who sailed the 
Sappho in her races with the Livonia) stood on the quarter deck 
of the Yan Name, Captain Schofield sailed the fishing smack 
Blackford, Captain Warner the El well, Captain Lewis the Negus 
and Captain Johnson the Edmund Blunt. 

The Regatta Committee distributed the judges of the race on 
board the different boats in the following order : — Mr. Walter 
Kane and the Messrs. Jones on the Enchantress, Mr. Stockwell 
and Mr. Henry Steers on the Dreadnaught, Mr. Asten on the 
Clio, Rear Commodore Kingsland and Mr. Parsons on the 
Alarm, and Mr. F. A. Smith on the Negus. To make the race 
more interesting a private match for a cup valued at $260 was 
made between the yachts Clio and Eva. Late in the afternoon 
the Prospero, Mr. Aspinwall's beautiful steam yacht Day Dream 
the police boat Seneca, the steamboats Charles Chamberlain and 
Seth Low, and a dramatic looking and ferocious little steam 
yacht, with a big smokestack and no deck, called the Oliver 
Doud Byron, came on the ground and added to the brilliant spec- 
tacle. 



The Ocean Races, 49 

OUTWARD BOUND FOR THE START. 

It was now three o'clock, and the hour was approacldng when 
the boats were to be started by the Regatta Committee. Two 
stakeboats, with the American colors flying from their masts, 
were stationed off Owl's Head Point, a mile distant from the 
shore. Near the stakeboats, and with fifty yards distance be- 
tween them, the yachts Enchantress, Alarm, Clio, and Dread- 
naught were lying at anchor. The Atalanta had not yet been 
seen. The pilot boats, with their big figures standing out vividly 
on their mainsails, the hardy-looking working- schooners, having 
their alphabetical designation, and the solitary fishing smack 
from Fulton Market, were all in line, waiting for the first whis- 
tle to prepare for action. The whistle was blown for prepara- 
tion on board the "Herald" steam yacht, where the Committee 
were engaged closely watching the movements of the different 
craft. The red-cross signal fell at this moment and then there 
was immediate bustle on the deck of every one of the thirteen 
boats about to take part in the great ocean regatta. Ten min- 
utes elapsed and the last whistle, the signal for starting, was 
blown with a shriek so loud and long continued that it might, 
have woke the sleepers in Greenwood. At thirteen minuter 
past three p. m. the vessels all weighed anchor as quickly as 
possible. The Clio was the first to show to the front with her 
sails all sheeted well home as the pretty clipper leaped forwf^rd^ 
before the breeze. The Eva was close in her wake and the 
fishicg smack not many yards astern. As they drew off to fill, 
the boats headed towards Fort Hamilton, but soon drew out 
again into the middle of the entrance to the Narrows. The El- 
well was a good fourth, and the other wave-skimmers were all 
well up. The Yindex — not in the race — had been backing and 
filling under Fort Richmond, and the schooner Ariel, her peaks 
gaudy with flags, came out to greet the competing vessels. The 
wind, which was from the eastward, had dropped considerably, 
and the lurid sun shone down upon the sea, tintiug the tiny 
wavelets and glinting upon the snowy sails of the noble fleet then 
moving onward in stately phalanx to victory and defeat. 



5o A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 



"down to the spit." 



While the spectators on the regatta boat and on the sur- 
roimding steamers were heaping praises in an exciting manner 
on the plucky little schooners which led the van, there came 
down among them the great, big Enchantress wing-and-wing, her 
deck crowded with men, and looking thoroughly as though 
she was about to enter into a marine contest in earnest. The 
Enchantress ran down towards Coney Island, and close upon 
her starboard beam was the majestic Alarm. The Enchantress 
then jibed her foresail ; while passing Gravesend Bay was the 
pilotboat Edmund Blunt, working splendidly and standing up to 
her canvass stiff as a tree. Just at this moment the Clio, which 
was leading the fleet splendidly toward the main channel, caught 
a gust of wind and had a large hole, about six yards in length, 
blown into her maintopmast staysail. This retarded her some- 
what, and the Enchantress was overhauling her rapidly, when a 
dirty old tub of a coasting schooner crossed the latter's bow, and 
she came very near colliding with the pretty Clio. The Dread- 
naught picked up a little on account of this ; but the coaster, 
with an unexpected spirit of fairness, got in her way also, caus- 
ing her to bear up and lose what she had gained. It was as if a 
lumbering charcoal wagon had crossed two rival four-in-hand 
teams in Central Park. The Ariel and other outsiders kept 
away well to the eastward, so as to leave the course clear. At 
this point the scene was an exceedingly beautiful one, for the 
wind freshened considerably, and the hindmost boats, catching 
the breeze first, ran up to their leaders and the whole fleet 
were bunched, though clear and going well, as the South- 
west Spit was reached. Here the "Herald" awaited the swan like 
craft, and the scene, as witnessed from her deck, was truly mag- 
nificent ; for the sun flashed and sparkled upon the foam under 
the sharp prows of the swift-gliding vessels. It was now 
past four o'clock, and the regatta steamer was soon surrounded 
by the other " funnel boats " at buoy No. 8J, The fleet passed 
in the following order, amid the most unbounded enthusiasm 
and excitement : — 



The Ocean Races. 5i 

H. M. S. H. M. S. 

Clio 4 23 50 Widgeon 4 35 02 

Enchantress 4 26 55 Eeindeer 4 35 26 

Alarm 3 28 45 Thomas S. Negus 4 36 14 

Dreadnaught 4 29 09 WallaceBlackford 4 37 05 

Van Name 4 29 32 James W. Elwell 4 39 06 

Eva 4 29 44 Edmund Blunt. . 4 39 26 

Mary E. Eish... 4 34 32 

The "Herald" regatta steamer then started after the clippers. 
The Elwell was doing very well and was flying foresail, 
main sail, gaff topsail, forestaysail, jib and jib-topsail, and the Ed- 
mund Blunt, who was evidently trying conclusions with her 
partner, had fore and mainsails, main gaff-topsail, main-staysail, 
topmast staysail, forestaysail and jib set. The Fulton Market 
people on the Blackford seemed very excited and were running 
about wildly, and off the point of Sandy Hook the Mary 
Fish put her nose under and shipped considerable water. An 
emigrant packet from Europe came down at this moment, and 
those aboard of her raised a cheer that rang out a welcome 
to their American brethren in the tinier vessels. 

About this time we all began to feel that this was 
going to be a big race, and particularly it was noticeable 
that the larger schooners were buckling down to the work 
which was cut out for them. We were in the shadow of 
the Highlands of Navesink, a heavy sea was running, and 
afar off we could see that the Enchantress was doing her 
"level best" for the first place, though the Clio was still 
leading and the Alarm pushing them both to their utmost 
speed. The regatta steamer then turned her bow homewards, 
and two of the excursion boats crept out a little further, in 
a timid way, but soon followed in our wake. The sun sank 
slowly down towards the western horizon, and as he touched the 
line dividing sea and sky, he resembled, in his crimson majesty, 
a giant's golden shield. To the southward we saw a huge flock 
of white sea gulls circling on strong pinions and dipping their 
beaks in the brine in search of prey, while over them hovered a 



52 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

great black fish hawk, his sable wings spread like a fashionable 
fan. A German steamer, deeply laden with freight and passen- 
gers, outward bound, passed us and returned us a responsive 
whistle. In the distance, the serrated tops of the Highlands, re- 
sembling a waving woof of indigo, were standing boldly up, and, 
almost hull down, we saw the Mary Fish fast overhauling the 
Yan Kame. A bulky iron ship, built on the Clyde, was being 
towed past us, and, on being hailed, her Captain slated that she 
was from Glasgow, eighteen days out. The Edmund Blunt 
passed us at this moment, and, on being hailed, her sailing mas- 
ter cried out, " You will hear from us to-morrow morning." 
Following the Blunt comes the Elwell, and as they sweep by 
through the gloom that is covering Sandy Hook all hands rise to 
wave their hats and cheer us, as might be expected from 
the sternmost boat in the race. A few moments elapse, and as 
the turbulent waves toss and the brisk sea breeze blows in 
our faces we lose sight of all the fleet, who are stretching away, 
with bending] spars and bellying canvas, for Cape May Light- 
ship. 

TTw World, New York, Octoh&r 10, 1873. 

OCEAN YACHT EACES. 

The Start and Position of the Racers at Sandy Hook-— Magnificent appear- 
ance of the Yachts sailing down the Bay. 

A splendid start was made yesterday afternoon on the Ocean 
Yacht Race to Cape May and return for the prizes offered by Com- 
modore Bennett, and the indications are that the race will be one 
of the finest and fastest that has ever been made over so long a 
course. The novelty of the conditions of this race and the 
varied character of the contestants has attracted more than usual 
attention to it and interested many classes of persons outside of 
purely yachting circles. It was, in effect, open to any and all 
schooners that chose to enter,' including the schooner yachts of 
all organized clubs, schooner-rigged pilot boats, working schoon- 



The Ocean Races, - 53 

ers and schooner smacks. There was no entrance fee for any of * 
the vessels, and there were liberal prizes for all classes. The 
prize for yachts was a cup of the value of $1,000, and for 
the other schooners there were three purses, one of $1,000 and 
two of $250 each. The rule governing the award of these pur- 
ses was that the first vessel arriving at the winning post should 
have the purse of $1,000, and that the first vessel arriving of 
each of the other two classes should have a purse of $250, with 
the proviso that no class should receive more than one prize. 
The course was from an anchorage off Owl's Head, around the 
Southwest Spit, thence to and around the Cape May Lightship on 
Five Fathom Bank, and back to the Sandy Hook Lightship, pas- 
sing within 200 yards of the latter. 

The competing vessels were as follows : 

YACHTS. 

Name, Owner. Tonnage, 



Enchantress J. F. Loubat 276.16 

Alarm A. C. Kingsland 225.17 

Clio p.B.Asten ) ^^gg 

^T. C. B. Bradhnrst S 

Eva E. Burd Grubb 77.50 

Dreadnaught A. B. Stockwell 240.00 

PILOT BOATS. 

Widgeon, No. 10 New York pilots 105.69 

Edmund Blunt, No. 21 New York pilots 111.00 

Jas. W. Elwell, No. 7 New Jersey pilots 132.00 

Thos. S. Negus, No. 1 New Jersey pilots 130.00 

Mary E. Fish, No. 4 New Jersey pilots 106.75 

WORKING SCHOONEKS. 

W. H. Van Name (A) W. H. Van Name 140.00 

JReindeer (P) Captain Howard 154.00 

SCHOONER SMACKS. 

Wallace Blackford (E) E. H. C. Kogers & Co 80.00 



54 ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

There were five other vessels entered for the race, but which 
failed to appear. They were the yacht Atalanta, the pilot boats 
Hope, No. 1, and C. H. Marshall, No. 3, and the schooners 
Sharpshooter and Kacer. The letters which are placed opposite 
to the schooners in the above list were used to designate them 
when at sea, and were painted on large sheets of muslin, which 
were sewed on the mainsails of the respective vessels. It will be 
seen that there was only one schooner smack in the race, so that 
if she sails over the whole course, she is sure of the purse offered 
for her class, and she has also a chance of winning the capital 
prize for schooners. In other words she may win $1,000, and 
she must win $250. 

The day broke bright and beautiful yesterday morning, and 
it was evident that the racers were to have the most favorable 
wind and weather that could be desired. There was not a cloud 
in the sky, the temperature was just cool enough to make the 
genial sunshine welcome, and there was a brisk breeze from 
the northeast which dotted the surface of the bay and harbor 
with long white caps, and which seemed expressly provided for 
speeding the racers down the Jersey coast. From an early hour 
of the morning the harbor presented a busy scene with the white- 
winged schooners working down toward the anchorage, or sail- 
ing about in long tacks and displaying their points to the numer- 
ous spectators, and with the large number of excursion steamers 
and smaller craft that were busily plying about the harbor pick- 
ing up passengers and attending the vessels that were to partici- 
pate in the race. Toward evening a great many spectators began 
to assemble upon the points which commanded the best views of 
the rendezvous, and by the time the start was made the banks of 
Stateu Island and South Brooklyn were well lined with carriages 
and pedestrians, all eagerly watching the race. The Committee 
having charge of the race consisted of Mr. Fletcher Westray, 
Chairman ; and Messrs. William Krebs, Edward E. Chase, and 
Charles A. Minton, ; and Mr. Freeman S. Smith was appointed 
the Judge of the pilot boats. These gentlemen embarked on 
board of the "Herald" steam yacht at the barge office, and a little 



The Ocean Races, 55 

after eleven o'clock the judges' boat steamed down the harbor to 
deliver the signals and instructions to the contestants and to align 
the vessels. The signals consisted of rockets, two of which were 
ordered to be fired by every vessel approaching either of the ter- 
minal lightships at night — blue and red combination lights — by 
which the yachts were to be distinguished, and ship-lights for the 
other schooners, which were to be used so as to display the desig- 
nating letters and numbers upon their mainsails. The first of 
the contesting vessels encountered by the judges' boat was the 
Reindeer, which was proceeding to the anchorage under very 
easy sail, and next the Dreadnaught and Enchantress passed the 
steamer on their way down. At the anchorage off Owl's Head 
most of the pilot boats and working schooners had already got 
into position and dropped their anchors. There were two stake- 
boats, one exactly opposite Owl's Head and the other 300 yards 
further down the Narrows. The second of these marked the po- 
sition of the yachts and the first the position of all the other ves- 
sels. Of the yachts the Enchantress and the Eva were the only 
ones in line. The Dreadnaught was lying under the Jersey 
shore, and the others were gracefully disporting about the harbor 
under easy sail, but all showing fine speed. At the last moment 
a private match for a $250 cup was arranged between the Eva 
and the Clio, to be determined during the present race. The 
judges' boat completed the distribution of the signals and instruc- 
tions, and after awaiting the arrival of all the contesting vessels 
took up a position to the leeward and between the lines of 
schooners. 

The signals agreed upon for the start consisted of one whistle, 
and the lowering of the Yacht Club flag as a signal of prepara- 
tion, and ten minutes after another whistle and another dipping 
of the flag for getting under way. The start was announced to 
be made at three o^clock, and at exactly two minutes after that 
hour the first whistle was sounded, the last orders were given on 
all the vessels, the men sprung to their posts, and all was life 
and bustle. At twelve minutes after three the final signal was 
given, the anchors were raised and the jibs hoisted as if by magic 



56 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

and the thirteen contestants swung swiftly about with the north- 
east breeze and dashed through the waves like greyhounds re- 
leased from the leash. The start was one of the most even ever 
made, but of the yachts the Clio made the best, and speedily 
put herself 200 yards ahead of all her rivals, the Eva following 
next, the Dreadnaught and Enchantress coming next and close 
together, and the Alarm a slight distance in their rear. Of the 
other vessels the "Pride of the Market," as the Blackford is 
called in Fulton Street, got away first, and was followed by the 
Edmund Blunt, next by the Elwell and the l^egus, snd then by 
all the others in a bunch. The Mnd was a little lighter than it 
had been in the morning, but it was dead astern and the fleet swept 
wing-and-wing down the Narrows with every stitch of canvas 
set, and presented one of the most splendid sights that ever 
charmed the eyes of a yachtsman. The Clio kept her lead, but 
the Eva came creeping up in a determined way that showed that 
Captain Grubb had no intention of letting that $250 cup get 
away from him without a struggle; the Enchantress veered a 
few points to leeward and soon passed the Eva; the Dreadnaught 
was but little astern of either, and the Alarm was coming rapid- 
ly up in the rear. At this moment an ugly hole appeared in 
the staysail of the Clio, caused by a foul with the gaff, and in 
a few seconds the wind, which was bellying the sail in fine shape 
ripped it from top to bottom, and it was hauled down to be re- 
paired. The Clio, however, still gallantly maintained her advan- 
tage, and swinging around to windward shot swiftly past the bow 
of the Dauntless and took her position on the extreme left of 
the fleet, which was by this time extended into an irregular cres- 
cent, with the Clio and the Enchantress marking the two ad- 
vanced corners. 

This position was maintained without material change down 
to buoy No. 8^, on Southwest Spit. The Clio and Enchantress 
were ahead, with the Clio away over to windward, and therefore 
nearer the Spit, the Dreadnaught and Alarm were between and 
a little behind them and on an exact line with each other, while 
the Eva w^as just astern of the Dreadnaught. The other vessels 



The Ocean Races. 5y 

had made some changes in their relative positions, and the Yan 
Name was away ahead and rapidly picking up the Eva. Close 
upon her heels was the Mary E. Fish, and then came the Wid- 
geon and the Keindeer, apparently together, and with the heavier 
pilot boats — ''Big 7" and the Blunt — bringing up the rear. 
The time of rounding the Spit was as follows: 

H. . M. s. 

Yacht Clio 4 23 50 

Yacht Enchantress 4 26 55 

Yacht Alarm 4 28 45 

Yacht Dreadnaught 4 29 09 

Schooner Yan Name 4 29 32 

Yacht Eva 4 29 44 

Pilot boat Mary E. Fish, No. 4 4 34 32 

Pilot boat Widgeon, No. 10 , 4 35 02 

Schooner Reindeer , 4 35 26 

Pilot boat Thomas S. Negus, No. 1 4 36 14 

Smack Wallace Blackford 4 37 05 

Pilot boat James W. ElweU, No. 7 4 39 06 

Pilot boat Edmund Blunt, No. 2 4 39 36 

From the time of the start to the arrival at the spit, the 
breeze had noticeably decreased and had changed towards the 
east, so that the "white caps" were no longer visible, and the ves- 
sels, when they strung out after rounding the buoy, were com. 
pelled to beat down with long tacks to get to sea. As each of 
the beautiful craft shot past the Spit, she was greeted with three 
shrill salutes from the whistles of the judges' boat and the other 
steamers that had assembled there, and which included the 
Fletcher, Arrowsmith, Chamberlain and Day Dream. The Olio 
made a splendid tack, which slightly increased her lead, and the 
Enchantress, which followed her, and was bounding along at the 
speed of a race-horse, had to beware of her greater draught of 
water, and describe a much wider circle. The Clio, therefore, 
managed to retain her lead until out of sight, and there were no 
important changes in the relative position of the other vessels. 
The judges' boat, under the command of Captain Robinson, gal- 
lantly escorted the fleet to Sandy Hook, and was followed by a 
dozen other craft, including the steamers already named, and the 



5S A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

yachts Yindex, Columbia, Emilie, Camelia, and Ariel. The 
racing yachts, as they receded in the distance, and in the mellow 
sunset, formed one of the finest sea pictures that the Bay of New 
York has ever seen. The wind was still in their favor and they 
stood almost erect, with their tall masts and their crowds of can- 
vas giving them the appearance of great white columns reflected 
against the deepening blue of the horizon. On the judges' boat, 
a number of rockets and other pyrotechnic pieces which had not 
been needed in the distribution to the yachts were discharged as 
a final salute to the fast-fading fleet, and as the sun sank, blood- 
red, behind the hills of Staten Island, the boat reversed its course 
and brought the party back to the city. 

The favorable start which the yachts have had encourages the 
belief which was expressed by all the yachting men who ob- 
served the start, that the race will be an unusually fast one. The 
course has been sailed in twenty-five hours, and the yachtsmen 
yesterday, as they passed the steam yacht on their way to sea, 
promised they would do it in twenty-four. It is quite possible 
that the first of the returning fleet may be seen at Sandy Hook 
early this afternoon, and it seems almost certain that they will 
return this afternoon or evening. The Hegatta Committee are 
to proceed to Sandy Hook this afternoon to await the finish of 
the race, and will remain upon the lightship until all of the 
fleet return. 



The New York Herald, October 11, 1873. 
THE GKEAT OCEAN YACHT EEGATTA. 

On Thursday afternoon thirteen vessels of schooner rig and 
of four distinct classes, which have never before met in racing 
competition, sailed forth under a clear blue sky on a grand ocean 
race. The fact that ^vq vessels of our trim pilot fleet, whose 
fame in their line of hardy seafaring is world-wide, were sailing 
beside five saucy schooners of our racing fleet is a circumstance 
in itself worthy of note. That two working schooners, one from 
Staten Island and another from Cold Spring Harbor, brought 



The Ocean Races, 59 

their ruddy crews into competition with the pilot boats, and that 
a gallant little schooner smack came forward to claim her share 
of the race, give us a picture well worthy of the genius of some 
such American painter of marine subjects as Moran. That the 
race meant downright sailing under conditions which divested 
it of the toy like quality of races inshore was evident from the 
beginning. It was a test of qualities that are not brought out 
in races with land calms threatening to spoil all sport ; in races 
with subtle knowledge of tides and currents telling more than 
the great quality of fast sailing ; in races where the exact reach 
of every tack under given directions of wind can be calculated 
to a nicety. The vessel, in such a race as that started on Thurs- 
day, is tested as much as the sailing master, and the result will 
prove much more of the true grit in both than the ornamental 
regattas, which, in their place, are so very admirable. About 
this race there is another feature which Americans can point to 
with pride — it marks the entrance of a republican spirit into 
contests hitherto laid claim to by a class alone. As that class 
is, of necessity, a rich one, it will be gratifying to think that 
the men of bronzed face, stout arms and manly heart, by whose 
lives coasting commerce is made a nursery of hardy seamen — 
men whose grandfathers manned the privateers of 1812, whose 
fathers in turn manned the gallant ships that in the war of the 
revolution so brilliantly contested with England for the su- 
premacy of the seas — are taking their places in the race with 
their fortune-favored fellow citizens. It matters not to whom 
the prizes fall if the race proves where the best contests are to 
be decided and if it marks an innovation in yachting experience 
worthy of the aquatic holidays of a republic. The course, 
covering from two hundred and fifty to three hundred miles 
of actual sailing, is a splendid one, and one of the results of the 
race will doubtless be to make it the scene of the future contests 
of importance battled in by yachts in the vicinity of New York. 
Throughout yesterday the arrival of the winning vessels was 
anxiously expected, and the explanation that three hundred 
miles cannot be sailed in the time of an ordinary race from 



6o A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

the E'arrows to Sandy Hook Lightship and back was made 
hundreds of times by those learned in the matter to others not 
so fortunate, but up to the present time the return of none 
of the yachts has been reported. 



The Evening Telegram, New York, October 11, 1873. 
THE OCEAN KAGE. 

The Enchantress the Winning Yacht — Ninety miles in ten hours — An Un- 
precedented Run from Sandy Hook to Cape May — A Terrible Time at 
Sea — A Head Wind All the Way Home — The Winning Pilot Boat. 

Sandy Hook, Saturday, Oct, 11 — A. m. 

The yacht Enchantress passed the lightship here at twelve 
minutes past six o'clock this morning, and won the race. 

The second boat is not yet in sight, but from the report 
made by the Enchantress it is supposed that the first pilot boat 
Is pilot boat No. 1, Thomas S. Negus, of New Jersey, and that 
the second yacht is probably the Alarm. 

The Enchantress made the run from Owls' Head, L. I., in 
New York Harbor, the starting ])oint, to Cape May lightship in 
ten hours, forty-fi.ve minutes and thirty seconds, an unprecedented 
run. 

The start was made at twelve minutes past three o'clock on 
Thursday afternoon, and the Enchantress rounded the lightship 
at Cape May at one o'clock, fifty-seven minutes and thirty 
seconds on Friday morning. 

There was a fair wind all the way down. 

The race was a dead beat all the way back, a heavy head 
sea running. In the afternoon of yesterday there were light airs 
for a considerable time, the sea being very lumpy. 

After rounding the Cape May Lightship the Enchantress 
about four o'clock yesterday morning fell into a very heavy sea 
and split her jib. 



The Ocean Races, 6i 

There was no time for repairs at the time, but when the 
morning advanced and an opportunity presented itself it was 
repaired. 

At eleven o'clock she shipped a tremendous heavy sea which 
carried away the under bobstay, which endangered the jibboom. 
Things were particularly lively at this time on board the yacht. 
A tackle was got out and the jibboom secured. 

Just at this time the split jib was ripped to its head all 
through, a heavy sea running. From that time only half the 
sail was used, it being impossible to bend another, the sea was so 
high. 

Captain Robert Fish sailed the Enchantress and Peter W. 
Roff was the pilot. 

The general interest felt in the result of the great ocean 
yacht race has in no way abated. On the contrary, the inquiries 
after the yachts were more numerous this morning than yester- 
day. 

The delay in the arrival of the vessels was, of course, caiised 
as stated in the Telegram yesterday, by the strong northeast 
breeze which was blowing yesterday morning. Though this has 
delayed the arrival of the vessels, it was far from spoiling the 
race or lessening the interest felt on all sides in the result of the 
contest. The fact is that this wind showed to greater advantage 
the sea-going and weatherly qualities of the competing vessels. 

Along shore the most intense interest is felt in the result of 
the race on account of the pilot boats and the working schoon- 
ers. 

THE LATEST. 

FASTEST SAILING ON RECORD. 

The Enchantress passed Fort Hamilton at 9:15 this morning, 
under full sail. 

The yacht was followed by the pilot boat Thomas IS. Negus, 
No. 1, and the third boat in was the New Jersey pilot boat 
James W. Elwell, No. 7. 



62 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

If the run to Cape May has been made in the time men- 
tioned it is the quickest run on record by any sailing vessel. 

Cape May, N. J., Oct. 11, 1873. 

The yachts passed Five Fathom Light at 3:20 a. m. as 
follows : 

Enchantress, first. 
Dreadnaught, second. 
Alarm, third. 
The positions of the other yachts were not obtained. 

Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 11, 1873. 

A second dispatch from Cape May, IS^. J., says that the yachts 
passed at 3:20 yesterday morning, the wind being at the time 
dead ahead. 



The New T(yrk Herald, October 12, 1873. 

THE OCEAN BACES. 

Prom Owl's Head to the Five-Fathoin Bank Lightship off Cape 
May — Thirteen Vessels Striving for Victory — Working Schoon- 
ers and Pleasure Craft in the Fleet — Plenty of \Vind and 
Heavy Head Seas — Accidents and Incidents — Beating to Windward 
One Hundred and Twenty-five Miles — The Enchantress the Winner 
of the $1,000 Cup and the Pilot Boat Negus the $1,000 Purse— Three 
of the Bacers Home. 



On Board Yacht Enchanteess, Off Sandy Hook Lightship. 

Saturday, October 11 — 6.12 a. m. 

Thm'sday afternoon when the competing vessels in the great 
ocean races were off the point of Sandy Hook and the Regatta 
committee of the JS'ew York Yacht Club and others on board 



The Ocean Races. 63 

the steam yacht " Herald " were preparing to bid them adieu and 
wish them all " good luck," the scene was one that coald not 
fail to delight the most enthusiastic yachtsman. It had been a 
day particularly charming to commence a contest of the charac- 
ter in which the vessels were engaged, and upon each and every 
deck of the racing boats were picked crews, veteran pilots, 
delighted sailing masters, and hopeful owners. It was the for- 
tune of one of the " Herald " reporters to find himself, early that 
afternoon, on board the Enchantress, where, on deck, were Mr. 
J. F. Loubat, the owner ; Yice-Commodore Douglas, Mr. Walter 
L. Kane,. Judge for the Committee ; his brother, Mr. Delancey 
Kane, and Mr. Edward E,. Jones, ready to accompany the yacht 
to victory or defeat. Busy giving orders to the bronzed crew 
was seen Captain Bob Fish, who modelled the boat, and near 
him, eager to4ake the wheel, was Pilot Peter W. Roff, of Staten 
Island. In like respects it was understood that all the craft whose 
crews were eager to win the prizes presented by Commodore 
Bennett were well provided. So, when the point of Sandy Hook 
was passed, the great ocean race to the lightship on Five Fathom 
Bank had commenced and was fast becoming exciting. At the time 
of starting the wind was to the northward, but at this point it 
had veered to the east-north-east and was breezing freshly. The 
pretty Clio, with all sail set, was working well to windward; 
the Enchantress, with a cloud of canvas, was second ; the Alarm 
third, Dreadnaught fourth, working schooner Yan J^ame fifth, 
Eva sixth, and the pilot boat Mary E. Fish, working schoonei 
lleindeer, pilot boat Thomas S. Negus, schooner smack Wallace 
Blackford, and pilot boats James W. El well and Edmund E. 
Blunt in the positions as named. Passing out by the land, the 
Enchantress went about on the port tack at 4 h. 26 m., the Clio 
did likewise at 4 h. 27 m., the Alarm followed suit at 4 h. 28 m., 
the Dreadnaught soon the same, and now each bent to their 
business. 

Away to leeward, and not to interfere with the manoeuvr- 
ing of the vessels, the excursionists' steamers accompanied 
us, and gliding swiftly along among these, looking par- 



64 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

ticularly handsome, was the steam yacht Day Dream, upon the 
deck of which General Aspinwall was observed, in the New 
York Yacht Club uniform. Though each and every captain of 
this fleet of clippers knew there was much work and chances 
of ill-luck before them, they commenced their task with faces 
lighted up with pleasurable excitement, and the last whistle of 
the judge's boat left them all in the best of humor, and with 
the highest hopes of success. On board the Clio, which had 
crept up to windward in the Narrows, there was an evident 
determination to keep in advance. She had set foresail, main- 
sail, foretopsail, jib, flying-jib, and two topsails, and the canvas 
drew very well. At 4 h. 35 m. the Enchantress, under club fore- 
sail, mainsail, jib, flying-jib, maintopmast staysail, and working 
topsails was gradually lessening the distance. The Clio was in ad- 
vance. The noble looking Alarm was a ^ort away tO leeward,while 
the Dreadnaught, with all kites set, her big maintopmast staysail 
being the more conspicuous, was challenging Rear Commodore 
Kingsland for third place. The saucy Eva followed, and then the 
Widgeon and Mary E. Fish, of the pilot boats, were earnestly con- 
testing with each other for the post of honor in their class, with the 
advantage in favor of the latter, and to leeward of these was the 
trusty-looking Yan Name, and among the brush the Wallace 
Blackford, the schooner smack that entered for the prize and 
glory attached to the event. The yachts were now flying 
through the water and the Enchantress on the starboard tack at 
4h. 44 m. went by the Clio, which looked a beautiful picture, and 
assumed the lead of the fleet that now was out on the ocean 
heading to the goal far away. The day was fast passing to a 
pleasant twilight, and the sun glinted its adieu on the snow 
white canvass of the racers with blinding brightness. Now the 
fun began in earnest. Five miles distant, at 5 h. 9 m., the High- 
land lights bearing west southwest, the Enchantress was heading 
south with the wind fair and leading all her competitors fully 
one mile. 

The Clio, standing on the same tack, was second, one 
mile astern ; the Alarm a like distance to the leeward of her 



The Ocean Races, 65 

the Dreadnaught half a mile further off, while the Eva, Yan 
Name and others were hull down. The wind was now hauling 
a little more down the coast, and it was the unanimous opinion of 
all on the Enchantress that there would be lively work before the 
night was over. At 5 h. 31 m., we were off Long Branch and 
on our weather quarter, with sails set, we sighted the Rich- 
mond steamer Old Dominion, outward bound, and two miles 
further away was one of Alexandre's steamships ploughing the 
deep in the same direction. The western horizon still looked 
bright with the glories of departing day, and, using a glass, the 
positions of the competing vessels nearest us were noted to be the 
same as before given, though we were dropping them fast. There 
was a rolling sea off this point, and the steamers, as with us, felt 
its influence. We were now doing very finely, and at 6 h. 4 m., 
the Alarm, two miles astern, had eaten up to windward of the 
Clio and was passing her, but it was some time before the saucy 
craft could be shaken off. One mile to the leeward of the Clio 
was the Dreadnaught, and far in the fast approaching gloom was 
the Eva struggling with the Yan Name. Darkness settled down 
upon us at 6 h. 56 m., and heading south by west, the Enchantress 
was slipping away upon her mission. Here we passed the steamer 
Old Dominion, her officers acknowledging the " go-by," blew 
their whistle, which we responded to by a rocket, and the 
steamer in turn " blazed away " in similar manner from her bow. 
At 7 h. 10 m., Barnegat light was made, bearing south southwest 
distant about fifteen miles. The night was clear and beautiful, 
and as the great golden moon came out of the sea the scene was 
exquisite. 

The wind was now hauling to the eastward and increas- 
ing, which sent us skipping along very fast. At 7 h. 55 m., 
the yacht was kept off half a point, heading south by west-half- 
west, and at 8 h. 17 m. Barnegat light bore west. We were 
doing some very nice work now, as at 8 h. 24 m., Alexandre's 
steamship was abeam, and nothing could be made out 
astern but the lights of the Old Dominion. The sea was very 
lumpy on this part of the coast, but tlie Enchantress carried her 



66 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

sail well, and while owner, officers and guests were congratula- 
ting themselves on their good luck a sea broke over her weather 
rail, and dousing some of the non-workers on deck they went be- 
low to change their clothing and repair damages. Little Egg 
Harbor bore west at 9 h. 45 m., the run down from Barnegat, a 
distance of eighteen or nineteen miles, having been made in Ih. 
28 m. At 10 h. we took in our maintopmaststay sail and jibtop- 
sail and boomed out the foresail, the wind getting lighter. Still 
we were doing nicely, and at 10 h. 37 m. Absecom blazed in the 
westward. The wind now backed to the northeast, and at 11 h. 
we headed southwest by south. It was freshening every instant, 
and at 11 h. 20 m. Captain Fish ordered the flying jibs to be 
shifted. The big one was taken in and a smaller one set at 11 h. 
35 m. 

We were now doing our best, bowling along in the glorious, 
brightness of the night fully thirteen or fourteen knots, though 
the sea was becoming more lumpy. At 11 h. 48 m. the balloon 
topsail was ordered to be taken in and at 1 h. 54 m. it was on 
deck unbent and clewed up, a neat job. At midnight, Alexan- 
dre's steamship disappeared on our weather bow, and then we 
were left traveling alone in solitary grandeur. At 12 h. 01 m. 
Friday morning we lowered away the peak and put a single 
reef in the mainsail, and began preparation to wear around the 
Five Fathom Lightship. A man was sent up the foremast head 
at 12 h. 25 m. to look out for the lights of this beacon off Cape 
May, and at 12 h. 48 m. he sighted them two points on the port 
bow. At 1 h. 20 m. the foresail was lowered, the topmasts 
housed and everything made snug for rounding the goal, 
the sea was very lumpy, but we flew along exceedingly fast, 
and at 1 h. 10 m. sent up two rockets, in accordance with the in- 
structions from the E-egatta Committee. Every man was at his 
station, and, with showers of drift breaking over the weather 
bow, we wore around the Lightship at 1 h. 57 m., under jib, 
small flying jib and reefed mainsail, having made the distance 
from Owl's Head, about 122 miles, in 10 h. 45 m. We burned 
a blue light, left the beacon on the starboard hand, and, trim- 



The Ocean Races, 67 

niing down on the wind, made a stretch inshore, with our star- 
board tack aboard. As we passed under the stern of the Light- 
ship Mr. Loubat sang out " Enchantress," which elicited some 
response, but in the confusion it was not understood. The 
work now began in earnesst, the wind to the nor'ard and in- 
creasing, with a head sea, becoming very nasty. We looked 
anxiously astern with a view of observing what other rockets 
were sent up, but nothing was seen until 2 h. 30 m., when two 
signals were observed in the air, and we knew another vessel 
was approaching the Lightship, and would soon be bursting on 
the wind with us — (afterward ascertained to be the Dread- 
naught.) At 2 h. 57 m. we set the foresail, and half an hour 
afterward stood off on the port tack. All the while the water 
was becoming more turbulent, and at four o'clock the Enchan- 
tress was near coming to grief, as she fell into a heavy sea, and, 
bursting over her bow with tremendous violence, it split the jib 
one cloth above the leech, making a rent four feet in length. 
Nothing could be done with it at the time, and, with hopes 
that it would not become worse, our officers trusted to luck. 
At five o'clock we stayed and stood toward the beach, and 
at 6 h. 10 m. just after daylight, sighted the pilot boat 
IN^egus, No 1, on the same tack to leeward of us, head- 
ing northwest on her lee bow with the Widgeon, No. 10 
while about two miles astern of them was another sail, 
that we could not make out. The Enchantress was heading 
northwest-half -west and at 6 h. 35 m., "land on the lee bow" was 
announced. 

Shortly after this the Dreadnaught was sighted to leeward 
of the Widgeon, on the starboard tack, under double reef 
mainsail, single reef foresail and jib. The Negus was under two 
lower sails and jib and flying jib ; the Widgeon the same. The 
sea was quieter at this time, and the Negus and Widgeon had a 
lively brush together, ending in the Widgeon getting the best of 
it. But her victory was for a short time, for at 6 h. 48 m. 
the Negus began to overhaul her, and when they tacked off 
shore a few minutes afterwards she passed up to windward. At 



68 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

6 h. 57 m. the Enchantress stood off on the port tack, and 
one minute after the Dreadnaught went in stays. The latter 
had jnst before set her flying jib. The Enchantress now wa& 
heading northeast-by-east, and was outpointing all the others 
and going to windward fast. The reef in our mainsail wa& 
shaken out at eight o'clock, and it was very evident that in the 
lumpy water we hadn't headsail enough. We wanted to shake 
out the reef in the foresail, but dared not. All the while 
the Kegus was doing admirably, beating the Widgeon and 
the Dreadnaught, as well as the Alarm, which was now sight- 
ed to the leeward of Mr. Stockwell's yacht. Absecom light- 
house, looking dreary indeed in the morning light, at 8h. 20m., 
bore northwest by north, and at 10 h. 05 m. the tall, chimney-look- 
ing affair, surrounded by dismal hotels and cottages, could be 
seen with the naked eye. Our friends astern-^l^egus. Alarm 
and Dreadnaught — were standing on the same tack, the Widgeon 
having dropped out of sight. At this time the Dreadnaught 
looked in trouble, as, settling away her jibs and mainsail, she 
soon dropped astern. The head seas were getting to be very 
bad, and, the wind still hanging from the northeast, it was 
evident, unless it shifted, we would have not only the day 
but another night to pass on the ocean, and we were not 
disappointed. 

The Alarm stood in shore at 11 h. 56 m., and the Negus 
went in stays two minutes later. At 10 h. 05 m.. Captain 
Fish expressed a doubt as to our damaged jib holding out much 
longer, as it continued splitting and was now half way up 
the sail. Eiiort was made to '' stop " the rent, and it was par- 
tially successful. We went about on the port tack to clear Brig- 
antine Shoals at 11 h. 25 m., and but little headway was made 
against the lumpy water. At 11 h. 45 m. the Enchantress fell 
into a heavy sea, and, as it tumbled its tons of water over the bow, 
its terrific force carried away the outer bobstay of the running bow- 
sprit, and for a moment it looked as if the stick would be wrenched 
clean out of its fastenings. At the same moment, and just when 
such an event was especially annoying, thei'ipped jib was split clear 



The Ocean Races, 69 

to the head. With this disaster on hand all eyes were anxiously 
<;ast to leeward to note "just for amusement" how far astern 
the Negus was, and the distance was adjudged to be five miles, 
while the Alarm was three or four miles further away. At 12 h. 
15 m. we took a reef in the mainsail, laying the yacht "dead 
to," and got out a tackle, hooking it on a strap at the end of the 
boom, thus securing it and saving us from an ignominious 
defeat, after going to the windward of all competitors for hours. 
Little Egg Harbor was sighted at 12 h. 30 m., and we shook out 
the reef in our mainsail at 1 h. 15 m., the wind hauling to the north 
northeast. The Enchantress was heading north northwest, but 
the delay had materially lessened the distance between the Negus 
and the Enchantress. The breeze atl h.30 m. freshened, but was 
still dead ahead. We set our foretopmast at this time, and nine 
minutes afterwards stood off shore. Again we tacked at 2 h. 
10 m., and the fact that we had been racing for hours with one- 
third of our jib carried away wasn't a pleasant reflection. Yet 
we held our own with the Negus, who was still six miles to lee- 
ward, but going away from the Alarm all the while. No other 
vessels were in sight at 3 h. 14 m., as Barnegat light was sighted, 
bearing north by west. All the afternoon these relative 
positions were maintained by the Enchantress, Negus and 
Alarm. At 5 h. 10 m. our foretopmast was sent up, the wind 
getting lighter and hopes of a change at nightfall entertained by 
all. As the sun was sinking the Enchantress stood in shore with 
her starboard tacks aboard, heading north northwest and the 
Negus, on the port tack, was seven or eight miles away, with the 
Alarm, as before trying to hang to her formidable adversary. 
At 6 h. our gaff topsails had been set, and soon after the 
smaller flying jib was taken in, and the big one ordered to be 
substituted, but there was much difficulty in doing this work, as 
the sea was running high and many of the men were worn out. 
During this trouble, we went astern, and it became a matter of 
serious conjecture whether it would not cause our defeat. Still, 
every effort was made by constant watchfulness and good judg- 
ment to make up the loss, and at 10 h., 50 m. a nice breeze from 



yo A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

the northeast enabled iis to fetch up the beach within one point 
of our course. The sea was still lumpy, but there was more foot to 
it. "We stowed the f oretopsail at 10 h. 45 m. as it did not draw. 
We were now along upper Squam Beach, half way to Sandy 
Hook, and despite the discouragements of wind and sea, some 
of the guests of the Enchantress felt hopefnl that they might 
keep their Saturday's engagements in the city. At 12 h. 15 m. 
yesterday morning the wind shifted to the northward and became 
lighter, heading us off. Barnegat light was now sunk, and after 
three tacks at 2 h. 15 m. the welcome blaze of the Highlands 
loomed up, bearing north-half-west, while we stood off shore on 
the port tack. Though the ocean was narrowly scanned, nothing 
could be sighted, and the hope was expressed that we still led the 
fleet. From this time we stood off and on until 4 h. 9 m. when 
the Enchantress went in stays, and headed in shore, which, at 
4 h. 40 m. brought the lights of the beacon off Sandy Hook in 
view, bearing north. At 5 h. 10 m. we tacked, and stood off 
shore until 6 h. 10 m. when we went about and bore away for 
Sandy Hook Lightship, which we passed to the westward at 6 h. 
12m., and all on board gave three hearty cheers when- they heard 
the welcome news that no other competing vessel had been seen. 
The judges appointed by the K-egatta Committee and the 
members of the press, stationed on the beacon, returned the 
cheers as the yacht prepared to beat in for Staten Island. The 
following table of distances made by the Enchantress during the 
race down to the Five Fathom Bank Lightship shows a pretty 
fast run : 

Distance. Time. 

Point to Point. Miles. H. M. 

Owl's Head to point of Sandy Hook . . 15 1 23 

Point of Hook to Barnegat 45 3 42 

Barnegat to Little Egg Harbor 19 1 28 

Little Egg Harbor to Absecom 11 52 

Absecom to Five Fathom Lightship . . 81 1 3 20 

Total distance running down 121 1 10 45 



The Ocean Races. . 71 

The beat back required 28 h. and 15 m., making the total 
run, about 247 miles, in exactly 39 hours. 



RUN OF THE PILOT BOAT THOMAS S. NEGUS, NO. 1. 

We rounded the Lightship stake boat on Five Fathom Bank, 
off Cape May, at twenty-four minutes past three o'clock a. m., 
on Friday Shortly before reaching the Lightboat, put a reef in 
the mainsail and took bonnet off the jib. On hailing the Light- 
boat, reported our name and asked how many of the boats had 
rounded. Learned we were the lifth, the Enchantress, Dread- 
naught, Alarm and Widgeon being ahead of us. Then stood on 
the starboard tack, shook reef out of mainsail and jib. In half 
an hour made the Enchantress, Dreadnaught and Widgeon ahead 
to the leeward. At daybreak had dropped the Dreadnaught and 
Widgeon astern to leeward, the Enchantress still leading us, 
wind blowing quite fresh from north, and a dead beat to wind- 
ward. At 4:30 p. M., Enchantress crossed our bow, most of 
the competing vessels, both yachts and pilot boats, astern in 
sight to the leeward. 

Arrived at the Lightship off Sandy Hook at 8 h. 49 m. 30 s. a.m. 
Hailed Judges on board, who informed us we were the second 
boat in, the Enchantress only being ahead of us. 

Thomas S. Negtjs. 

waiting at the lightship. 

For thirty-six hours, the Herald representative, together 
with half a dozen others, were waiting on board of the Lightship 
at some seven miles outside of Sandy Hook, to witness the arri- 
val of the contesting boats at the home stake. Captain Cos- 
grove, who has had command of Lightship, No. 16 for the long 
spell of twenty-one years, made all his guests feel at home, and 
did everything in his power to cheer the weary hours that passed 
before the winning yacht came in sight. It was a pleasant sight 
for Captain Cosgrove to look upon so many new faces, as he is 
isolated and shut off from all human kind, as effectually, as if 



72 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

he were located on a deserted island, during the winter months 
of the year. Kothinpj is to be heard but the vibration of the 
lazj swell of the pathless sea in fine weather, and the rolling and 
pounding of the iron ship, combined with the terrific screaming 
of the wind through the rigging and chain cables, in stormy 
weather. life in a lightship or shore beacon may do very well 
for a day or two, because of its novelty, but, unless specially 
trained for it, the monotony becomes something dreadful to a 
stranger. During Friday afternoon and night, there w^ere no 
traces of the yachts discern able, and nothing was heard at the 
Lightship of any of the contesting pilot boats. At a little after 
four o'clock on Saturday morning, and a short time before day- 
light, a vessel was reported rounding the Lightship, and the 
watch called up all hands to see it. We discerned a schooner 
with a large mainsail, and having a huge figure "7" painted on 
the sail. This was supposed to be the James Elwell, No. 7, of 
the ITew Jersey pilot boats, in the regatta, and there were ex- 
clamations that she had won ; but in a few minutes the mistake 
was discovered, for the people on board of the stranger, cried 
out, that it was " pilot boat. No. T, of New York," and that they 
were '^ not in the race," and had heard nothing of the contes- 
tants. At twelve minutes past six o'clock yesterday morning, a 
cry was raised that a yacht was rounding to, and, looking for- 
ward, we saw the dirty purple sides of the Enchantress rising 
under the lofty bow of the Lightship. There was a wild cheer 
from her decks, as the Lightship spoke the winning yacht, and 
instantly acclamations resounded through the still morning. 

There was an interval of two hours before any of the other 
boats came in sight to fill up the long gap, but gradually the 
sails of a trim looking schooner rose on the horizon, and soon it 
was manifest that, although she had her topsails clubbed, like a 
yacht, yet she must be a pilot boat. Shortly after this the 
Thomas S. Negus, No. 1, a brand new pilot boat, rounded to at 
precisely forty-nine minutes and thirty seconds after eight 
o'clock. There was a tremendous cheer from about a dozen per- 
sons who stood on the deck of the Negus, when they were in- 



The Ocean Races. 73 

formed that no pilot boat had preceded them, and their enthu- 
siasm became so great at the intelligence, that the captain of the 
Negus immediately hoisted a great big burgee and a long whip 
pennant as a sign that she was tlie victor. In a few minutes 
after she was dancing around the Lightship, as if she would like 
to have a nautical chip knocked off her shoulder. Captain Cos- 
grove, acting under the inspiration of the moment, fired several 
shots from a huge navy revolver at the l^egus, and ordered his 
lighthouse colors and the American flag to be loosened, which 
was immediately done, to every one's satisfaction. Some hours 
now elapsed, and the next vessel that appeared was the pilot 
boat Widgeon, No. 10, which passed within hailing distance, but 
did not round to at the Lightship. It is supposed that all the 
other vessels have been becalmed, as the three boats reported 
above, were the only ones heard from u[) to a late hour last 
night. 

The World, New York, October 12, 1873. 

THE OCEAN YACHT RACE. 

The Enjchantress the Winning Yacht — Stormy Weather — Head Winds and 
Heavy Tide — Arrival of Pilot Boats Last Night. 

The Enchantress, after an unprecedented run from Sandy 
Hook to Cape May, and a beat back in a seaway that thoroughly 
tested her seagoing qualities, passed the Sandy Hook Lightship 
at twelve minutes past six yesterday morning the winner of the 
yacht prize for the ocean race. The start was made at twelve 
minutes after three Thursday afternoon. A light northeast breeze 
was then blowing, and as the yachts strung out after rounding 
the buoy the Clio led, followed closely by the Enchantress, with 
the Dreadnaught in close company. Just off the Highlands the 
Enchantress passed the Clio, and the Southwest Spit was turned 
in the following order: Enchantress, Clio, Dreadnaught, Alarm, 
Mary E. Fish and James W. Elwell. The other boats were lost 
sight of by those on board the Enchantress. An exciting race 



74 A Yachtsmaiis Scrap Book. 

took place as far as Long Branch, which was passed at half-past 
six Thursday evening. At this point the Enchantress still led^ 
with the James W. Elwell a point or two astern. Then came 
the Dreadnaught, followed closely by the Alarm, with the Mary 
E. Fish last of the first bunch. Everything was made snug for 
the night, but with the exception of the occasional flash of a 
colored light nothing was seen of the racers by the Enchantress 
people until daybreak Friday morning. During the night the- 
yachts kept in the same relative positions as when last seen 
Thursday night. The pilot boat Thomas S. Negus, however^ 
had crept up, and now led the boats of her class. The Widgeon 
had also taken a first place, together with two other pilot boats,, 
whose numbers could not be distinguished. At fifty-seven 
minutes past one Friday morning the Enchantress rounded Five 
Fathom Light, off Cape May, and ran for home. Just after turn-^ 
ing, it came on to blow, and the Enchantress carried away her 
jib-bobstays head gear and had to lay to to repair damages. The 
sea was running high at the time, and when the sails were finally 
set the other yachts had gone their course and were beating back- 
Under a single reefed mainsail, reefed jib and small jib the En- 
chantress began to beat back, and it was not until six o'clock 
when the weather moderated sufficiently to allow a small fore- 
sail with the bonnets out to be set. Shortly afterwards the jib- 
was blown away, but the Enchantress continued to run for home, 
and arrived off the Sandy Hook Lightship shortly after six 
o'clock yesterday morning. The Judges on the Lightship were 
astir, and having recorded her time she ran up to Fort Hamilton ,„ 
where she dropped anchor at a quarter past nine. During the 
run home the wind varied considerably, veering from north 
northeast to north northwest. There was a heavy tide running 
and the Enchantress encountered a head sea all the way back- 
When the Enchantress had reset her sails after her mishap and 
began to beat back the other yachts were seen about fifteen miles 
astern. She was commanded by Captain Bob Fish and Peter 
K-off was pilot. Captain C. Fairchild was acting captain. 

The following yachts had arrived up till two o'clock this^ 



The Ocean Races, yS 

morning : — Enchantress, Thomas S. Negus, Widgeon, James W. 
Elwell, Mary E. Fish. 



THE RACE AS SEEN FROM THE M. E. FISH. 

A visit to the pilot-boat Mary E. Fish, of New Jersey, at pier 
23 East River, last night at half-past one, just as she arrived 
from sea, elicited the following information : Leaving with the 
rest at three o'clock Thursday, with a light northeast wind, the 
Fish kept in the midst of the fleet until the Hook was passed. 
At the Southwest Spit was near Enchantress, schooner A, and 
another yacht. At five o'clock the wind was northeast. The 
Fish was the first pilot-boat around the Spit. With two tacks 
she went around the Hook. The fieet kept pretty close together 
as far as could be seen, far into the night, but few were visible in 
the morning. Passed the Cape May lightship at 3h. 65 m. a.m.; 
saw the rockets of the Enchantress, and the blue signals of the 
Negus; saw the Widgeon; passed the schooner A, at 5 h. 50 m. a. 
M. ; hauled in by the wind and stood in at 5 h. 15 m. the wind N.E.; 
pushed on with short tacks all the morning with wind about N. 
N. E. 

Saw a little yacht about six o'clock, Saturday morning, sup- 
posed to be the Eva. Saw the Negus and Widgeon off north- 
east, about seven o'clock; also the Dreadnaught off shore, hull 
down. Off Absecom the Fish bore west seven miles. The Ne- 
gus and Widgeon were then in sight. Then passed the Dread- 
naught and Alarm, and the schooner A was astern out of sight. 
The Dreadnaught about half-past two carried away something 
about her jib and furled it. Both yachts then put one reef in 
their mainsails. The other pilot boats reached off shore at dark, 
and the Fish lost sight of them. 

In the morning saw the Elwell under the lee, and she soon 
crossed our bow. The Widgeon was off north. Stood in to 
Highlands and anchored in a calm, with the Elwell a mile off. 
At two o'clock yesterday afternoon a light breeze sprung up 
from the southeast ; hauled southwest, drew up on Elwell and 



76 ' A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

passed her. Passed the Lightship at twenty minutes to eight. 
The Elwell passed at twenty minutes to nine, the Clio at seven- 
teen minutes to nine. The E. Blunt was then off shore. Came 
up the bay and river with a light breeze. 



THE DREAD NAUGHT S EXPERIENCE. 

At 4 h. 32 m. the Enchantress rounded the Southwest Spit and 
triiamed aft on her course on the port tack, followed by the 
Alarm at 4 h. 38 m. and by theDreadnaught an instant later. The 
pilot boats and working vessels, still on the starboard tack came 
up in the followirg order: The Mary E. Fish leading, the Wid- 
geon next, then the Heindeer, the Kegus, and the James W. El- 
well following closely, with the ruck astern. The breeze was 
now freshening, and on each yacht and boat a vast cloud of can- 
vas was piled aloft, every stitch of which was drawing finely ; 
driving the vessels through the water at a lively rate of speed. 
At 4 h. 43 m. the Eva and half a minute later, the Yan Kame 
tacked and squared away. Meantime the Clio catching the 
breeze to best advantage, had shot ahead of the Enchantress, 
leaving the Alarm third in position, the Dreadnaught fourth, 
and the Eva and Yan Name nearly abreast astern. The Dread- 
naught now set her staysail, and with this additional canvas 
gained rapidly upon the Alarm, who found it necessary to sub- 
stitute her balloon jib for her forestaysail jib. The Dread- 
naught, however, gained perceptibly upon her, and when, just as 
the sun was sinking, the Alarm passed the Highlands of Nave- 
sink at 5 h. 20 m, the Dreadnaught was abreast of her, and both 
vessels going through the water like racers, making a very 
pretty spurt of it with a fresh fall sail breeze blowing and every- 
thing drawing on both boats. The sky was perfectly clear, and 
the fleet at this time presented a beautiful appearance and one 
well calculated to excite the admiration of the most ordinary ob- 
server. 

The Dreadnaught had gained constantly upon the Alarm 
and was just passing her when the latter parted the tack of her 



The Ocean Races, jy 

balloon jib. This was quickly got inboard and reset without 
checking her headway; but the Dreadnaught caught a freshen- 
ing breeze just then, and went bowling down the Seabright beach 
at a tearing pace, with her late antagonist well on her lee quar- 
ter. As the darkness began to gather, the position of the ves- 
sels had changed but little, though the rate of speed had brought 
those who were well in the race far down the Long Branch 
beach, which was still plainly visible, with its long line of bath- 
ing houses, behind which towered the spires of the town, while 
from the open sea to the westward a steady, long "white-capped" 
swell came rolling in continually. At the rate at which the 
Dreadnaught was now running, and with the pile of canvas 
which she had set, there appeared to be but little doubt, that she 
would soon overhaul the Clio and Enchantress, who alone of all 
the fleet led her in the race, when a suddening freshening of the 
breeze split the Dreadnaught's staysail with a bang, parting 
everything so that the sail flapped out to leeward and went 
astern, held only by the sheet and the guy ropes. The yacht 
was at once thrown into the wind and headway checked before 
the truant sail struck the water, and thus the canvas was saved 
and hauled aboard by the sheet while the vessel lay to. 
It was then deemed advisable to send down the balloon top- 
sail, as that sail was doing no good ; but, owing to a further mis- 
hap this became entangled with the toping lift of the mainsnil, 
and had to be got in with great care and at considerable loss of 
time. At this time it was also found that the bonnet of the jib 
was badly split, so that when the Dreadnaught again got on her 
course she had lost nearly forty minutes of most valuable time, 
during which it was quite impossible to say what portion of the 
fleet had passed her or what advantage had been gained by those 
already ahead. Finally, however, she got under way again, and 
thanks to the constantly increasing wind was by nine o'clock 
picking up the yachts ahead very rapidly when Barnegat Light 
bore due west. The Dreadnaught gained rapidly on the leading 
yachts for a time, but soon carried away the bonnet of her jib be- 
fore rounding the Lighthouse off Cape May, and afterwards 



78 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

breaking the rod leading from her stern, just at the weld, in. such 
a manner as to loosen the jib stay and set the masts back 
from their position over eight inches. This mishap occurred 
when she was homeward bound after having rounded the 
Cape May Lightship well up with the leaders of the race, and 
necessitated her running to southward for fully an honr, thus 
putting her fairly out of the race at a time when, in spite of 
rough weather and a constant series of mishaps, her chance of 
finally winning was by no means bad. After this the light winds 
and a heavy swell, together with her crippled condition, retarded 
her progress so much that at one o'clock yesterday she was be- 
calmed somewhat south of Highland Lights, and reaching the 
Lightship at 8 h. 40 m. 

The New York Herald, New York, October 13, 1873. 
THE OCEAN EACES. 
Eeturn of the Fleet to Sandy Hook — The James W. Elwell's Experience — 
Working Schooner William H. Van Name Wins the $250 Prize of Her 
Class and the Smack Wallace Blackford Walks Over the Course. 
The Ocean Races are ended and general satisfaction reigns at 
the result. The yacht clubs of America have often been ac- 
cused of a fondness for smooth water sailing ; but a contest from 
Owl's Head, Long Island, to the Five Fathom Bank Lightship is 
one over a course that is at times as bad as can be traversed by a 
sailing vessel. At this season of the year strong winds, or, at 
least, fresh breezes may always be expected, and it requires a 
vessel well built, ably manned and properly governed to win a 
race such as that which has just terminated. The yachts, pilot 
boats, working schooners and schooner smacks which competed 
for the prices offered had their work cut out from the start ; and, 
though the breezes were strong and baffling at times, light at 
others, and frequently variable, it was conclusively proven that 
the skill of the competent mariner is more than a match for the 
subtleness of old Neptune. Among the arrivals last Saturday 
evening were the working schooner William H. Yan Name and 
schooner smack Wallace Blackford, which completes the list of 



The Ocean Races, 79 

winners, the former beating the Reindeer, her only competitor, 
and the latter walking over the com*se. There are now but the 
yachts Alarm and Eva and working schooner Reindeer to hear 
from. Annexed will be found additional reports of the races : 

THE RACE AS SEEN FROM THE JAMES W. ELWELL. 

On Board Pilot Boat James W. Elwell, ISIo. 7, 

October 11, 1873. 

At just three minutes after three last Thursday, by the clock 
on board the pilot boat Elwell, the signal and the lowering of 
the Yacht Club flag on board the steam yacht Herald was given 
by the Judges for the competing vessels in the ocean race to get 
ready. An anxious ten minutes succeeded. The thirteen com- 
petitors were ready for the start ; mainsail and foresails were set, 
and jibs and topsails were ready to be run up as soon as the final 
signal was given. Promptly it came, anchors were weighed and 
the vessels were off. 

Rather an amusing incident occurred just previous to and at 
the moment of getting under way. The schooner smack Wallace 
Blackford, the only one in the race, lay near the Elwell. There 
was a good but noisy crew on board of her. Though she was the 
only boat of her class in the contest she was evidently determined 
to make it hot for some of the more pretentious looking vessels 
of tlie fleet, if possible. As soon as the order to be away was 
given the work on the deck of that smack was lively. She had 
not only her anchor under bow first, but she went round as if she 
was on a pivot. "How's that for getting under way V sang out 
her skipper, with a proud consciousness of having accomplished 
something smart. 

Down through the Narrows the racers flew, with every stretch 
of canvas they could carry. The sight from the deck of the 
Elwell was a beautiful one. Numbers of steamboats and tugs, 
heavily freighted with sight-seers, waved adieu to the compet- 
ing vessels. Yachts of every rig, from cat to schooner, saluted 
them as they flew by. The wind was fresh from the northeast, 
but baffling. The Enchantress was among the first yachts around 



So A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

the Southwest Spit, followed by the Alarm, the Dreadnaught 
and the working schooner Yan Name. At 4 h. 32 m. the pilot 
boat Fish rounded ; then came the Widgeon, schooner 
Keindeer, pilot boat Negus, fishing smack Blackford, then 
the Elwell and the Blimt. The difference between the time 
of the passing of the Fish, which was the first pilot boat 
around, and the Blunt, the last, was about seven minutes. After 
leaving the buoy we had the wind abeam. It was still fresh, with 
a heavy sea running. All hands had now gone amidships, and 
not a head was seen above the rails. The Elwell, owing to the 
wind veering a little, was not able to weather the point of the 
Hook, and had to make another tack. The Blunt, taking ad- 
vantage of this manoeuvre, continued on her course and obtained 
the lead of the Elwell. The point of the Hook was 
passed at ten minutes after five o'clock. With every sail 
that would draw, the whole fleet were now fairly off for the 
Cape May Lightship. About a quarter past five the steam yacht 
Herald passed by, going in, and with good wishes for a pleasant 
voyage we waved adieu to the New Yorkers. The race now 
began in earnest, with the Elwell engaged in a stern chase. The 
wind was behind us, and with foresail and mainsail boomed out 
we were going through the water at a lively rate. Shortly after 
the pretty little village of Seabright loomed up, and the beach 
at Long Branch showed prettily in the distance. At sundown 
we were still astern of the fleet, but hoping for better things. 
The Widgeon, with all her yacht sails on, was taking every ad- 
vantage of the wind, and was slipping through the water like a 
race-horse. So long as the wind continued light it was the Wid- 
geon's "pie," but if it came to blow, and it did during the night, 
we knew she, and the others of her class, would be compelled to 
come down to pilot boat sails proper, and then the pilot yacht 
Widgeon, good boat as she is, might not have so fair a record. 
About a quarter to six o'clock the Elwell overhauled the Blunt, 
and allowed her the honor of following in •her wake. The fish- 
ing schooner Blackford was next brought abeam, and shortly 
after allowed to drop astern. There was some satisfaction in 



The Ocean Races, 8i 

knowing we were picking up with the group and getting into 
good company. At ten minutes after eight o'clock the moon 
rose in all its splendor. We were now ten miles north of Barnegat, 
with the wind increasing, but puffy. At half-past eight o'clock 
we sighted Barnegat light. Fifteen minutes later the man at the 
lookout sighted three of the racers to leeward. Shortly after 
another of the boats hove in sight. We now felt we were over- 
hauling the fleet and gaining our lost ground, and all on board 
felt in better spirits. The wind, too, was freshening, and, 
although nearly all on board were paying their respects to Nep- 
tune in the cockpit of the Elwell, Captain Warner made no ob- 
jection, and jolly Jack Reardon, who stood at the wheel, sang 
out to one of the party, " Go in, old man, we mayn't be ship- 
mates in a long time again." At half -past ten o'clock we had 
Barnegat Light abeam, bearing west. Four of the leaders were 
still in sight. At half- past twelve o'clock Absecom Light, bear- 
ing northwest, was in sight. The wind was increasing every 
moment, but not bio wiug nearly as strong as the larger boats 
wished for. At forty-seven minutes past two o'clock on Friday 
morning the Lightship, on Five Fathom Bank, appeared in sight. 
All was anxiety on board the Elwell. Every one on board was 
on the lookout for the lights, which were to tell the story of the 
racers' whereabouts. 

At seven minutes to three, two rockets went into the air, in- 
dicating that one of the fleet was close by the ship. In twenty 
minutes two more were seen. A sharp lookout was kept for the 
color of the lights, but the roughness of the sea prevented the 
lookout from being able to see them. At a quarter past three 
two more rockets were seen from the deck of the Elwell, and at 
half-past the stars of another pair lighted up the heavens. We 
were now nearing the Lightship. At four o'clock the Elwell sent 
her rockets up to announce her coming. Up to this time the 
fireworks of four of the vessels had been seen. About 4 h. 3 m* 
the Widgeon, as nearly as could be made out, turned the Light- 
ship. The wind had increased in strength since midnight, and 
the order to shorten sail was given. The mainsail was accord- 



82 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

ingly single reefed, the gaff topsail was stowed, staysail and fly- 
ing jib taken in. 

At 4 h. 15 m. we wore around the beacon, having made the 
run down in thirteen and a half hours. Going by we hailed 
those on board: 

" How many have gone round ? " 

'" Six." 

''' Has the Widgeon yet rounded ? " 

*' Yes, sir." 

Before we had time to ask any more questions we were out 
of hearing. It was consoling to know we were not the last boat 
at this stage of the race, as we had been in leaving the Hook. 
After passing, the course was altered, and, heading the El well 
north by west half north, we commenced to beat home against a 
strong head wind and heavy sea. 

It was now blow^ing a stiif nor'easter, and under a single 
reefed mainsail we were ploughing through the waters at a 
terrible rate. At 4: h. 30 m. another of the racers passed the 
Lightship. In another quarter of a mile two more rockets 
showed the whereabouts of one more of the craft. A little 
before '^yq, a yacht, which we took to be the Clio, by the 
lights she showed, paid her respects to the beacon, and com- 
menced the burst on the wind homewards. At six o'clock Fri- 
day morning the reefs were shaken out of 'the mainsail, although 
the wind was still blowing fresh and our decks were wet nearly 
all the time. The good boat did nobly. It was the kind of a 
blow that suited her. At times we had the rails under, and 
nearly all on board were seasick. The sea since we left the 
Lightship had been running very high, sweeping the decks 
from stem to stern every few minutes. Now and then a glimpse 
of five of the racers could be had as the Elwell rose on the 
crests of the sea, but what boats they were it was impossible 
to tell. At 10 h. 30 m. we lost sight of land and stood off shore. 
The wind continued stiff and came down in chunks. We were 
driving through the water at a terrible rate against a heavy head 
-sea under flying jib, jib, jib staysail, foresail and mainsail. The 



The Ocean Races, 83 

Blunt, ia sight all the morning, was hull down before noon. 

At 12 h. bearings were taken, lat. 39 12, Absecom bearing 
west northwest about twenty-five miles. Since daybreak we had 
made about twenty miles on our direct course. We were now 
well out to sea, the wind continuing to blow with great violence 
and the sea was rolling heavily. Before nightfall seven of the 
vessels were in sight, the greatest number we had seen since 
we lost sight of them on Thursday evening. 

At 6 h. 20 m. Barnegat was sighted on our weather quarter. 
The Elwell was now pointing about northwest by north. Egg 
Harbor light was well under the lee and Absecom could only be 
seen at intervals as we rose on the swell of the sea. Darkness 
was fast settling over the face of the water. The racers to the 
windward of us were no longer to be seen. A yacht, looking 
like the Clio, passed astern of us a couple of miles on the port 
tack. Our reckoning at this time showed that since leaving the 
Lightship at Five Fathom we had beaten about fifty-five miles. 
The Widgeon, the Fish and the Kegus were to windward hull 
down; one of the smaller yachts was about three miles astern 
and another just beginning to show on the horizon. This was 
the position of the boats as seen from the Elwell as darkness 
•came on. 

Nothing of interest occurred during the night, only the part- 
ing of' the flying-jib sheets, which was soon righted. The wind 
was light through the night, giving indications of dying out be- 
fore noon. At daybreak, we found we had overhauled the Fish 
and left her about three miles astern. The Widgeon was also in 
sight to the windward. She did not have so much water between 
us as she had at nightfall. The J^egus was nowhere to be seen, 
and it was thought possible that the new boat, untried as she 
was, had showed some of the older boats a trick in speed worth 
knowing. Every sail we could carry was set, but there was 'Uo 
"draw" in them. 

At 9 h, 30 m. in the morning, we sighted the Lightship with 
the breeze fast giving out. The Fish was at this time to lee- 
ward of us about three miles, and in shore ; the Widgeon about 



84 A Yachtsmajis Scrap Book, ^ 

five miles to windward, slowly nearing the Lightship with a light 
breeze. The beacon was only seven miles distant. By 10 h. the 
sails were flapping, and we came to anchor. The blow had 
spent itself and we were becalmed. The Fish, to leeward of 
us, after trying to crawl up, also anchored. None of the others 
were at this time in sight. For four hours, we lay at anchor 
praying for a blow, and not getting it. The yacht Dreadnaught 
began to show up about noon, with the light breeze that was 
stirring. The Fish weighed anchor about 3 h. 30 m. and set every 
inch of canvas she could pnt on, to catch the capful of wind. 
On board the Elwell there was also a stir, and at 4 h. the anchor 
was brought under her bow. The Fish was now creeping slowly 
upon the Elwell in the light wind, and at 7 h. 45 m. showed her 
light at the Lightship. At 8 h. 30 m. the Elwell also showed her 
light and hailed the beacon: — 

'' How many have passed ? " 

" One yacht and three pilot boats." 

" What yacht ? " 

" The Enchantress." 

" Good enough. Cap. What time ? " 

" The Enchantress at 6 h. 12 m. this morning; the Negus at 
8 h. 30 m. and the Widgeon at 12 h. 30 m." 

Just after passing, the Dreadnaught showed her signal lights. 
There was scarcely five minutes difference between the yacht 
and the pilot boat. The race was so far run. Two yachts and 
four pilot boats had announced their arrival. The Elwell 
headed for Staten Island, all on board satisfied with the fifty- 
three hours which had elapsed since the start, and all hoping 
that the next ocean race in which the Elwell would be engaged, 
would be run with a fiercer blow, in a heavier sea, and under 
close-reefed canvas out and back. 



REPORT OF WORKING SCHOONER W. H. VAN NAME. 

The working schooner W. H. Yan Name, which won the 
prize of $250 for vessels of her class in the ocean races, passed 
Sandy Hook Lightship at 10 h. 50 m. Saturday night. A brief 



The Ocean Races, 85 

report of the part slie took in the contest is as follows: — The Yan 
]S^ame was the fourth vessel around the Southwest Spit. Off 
Long Branch passed the Dreadnaught and Alarm, and off Abse- 
com went by the Clio. Carried all lighter sails to Barnegat. At 
2 h. 30 in. Friday morning made the Five Fathom Bank Lightship 
and sent up rockets according to instructions from the Regatta 
Committee. At 2 h. Mm. ronnded the Lightship the second boat, 
the first passing being the yacht Enchantress. Was under reefed 
mainsail, full foresail, and bonnet out of jib at the time. Trim- 
med in all the sheets, hauled on the wind and stood in shore, the 
schooner making good weather and not taking any water on 
deck. The sea was rough, and there was plenty of wind. Con- 
tinued beating to the northward until daybreak, when we sight- 
ed to leeward the Widgeon, Mary E.. Fish, Thomas S. Negus 
and yacht Alarm. The pilot boats stood off shore, and we 
hugged the beach, experiencing baffling winds. Passed yacht 
Dreadnaught on Saturday morning at three o'clock, on port tack. 
Beat along in company with yacht Alarm for some three hours, 
the Yan Name being to windward, when the Alarm up helm, 
started sheets, and ran back before the wind. Off Squam Beach 
got becalmed and remained there until eight o'clock in the even- 
ing, when a light breeze sprung up from the southwest, which 
enabled the schooner to pass Sandy Hook Lightship at 10 h. 40 m. 
The Yan Name in this race demqnstrated that she is a fast boat 
and has excellent seagoing qualities. She did not take a barrel 
of water on deck during the run down and back, and came 
in with whole canvas. She was sailed by Captain Samuel 
Oreenwood, late of the yacht Sappho. 



PILOT BOAT THOMAS S. NEGUS, NO. 1. 

In the great Ocean Kace the fortunate pilot boat Thomas S. 
Negus, No. 1, the winner of the $1,000 prize, was commanded 
by Pilot William Lewis, her captain, assisted by Messrs. Sylves- 
ter, Lennon, Cooper, Robert and William Hall, Mr. T. S. Ne- 
gus, one of the New Jersey Pilot Commissioners, and after 



86 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

whom the boat was named, together with Messrs. T. D. Harri- 
son, E. C. Neilson, William F. Taylor and Freeman A. Smithy 
the latter appointed a Judge by the Regatta Committee, were on 
board. These gentlemen speak in the warmest terms of the sea- 
going qualities of the Negus, and state that she was at all times 
during the eventful race able to carry all her canvas and 
topmasts, and at no time shipping any water, while other boats 
seem to have quite as much sea and wind as they could stagger 
under. 

Captain Lewis and his company are entitled to credit for the 
confidence which they had in their boat and the pluck displayed 
in entering her for the ocean contest, as she was only launched 
on the 6th of September last. Her first trial was on the 
2d inst., the day of the autumn regatta of the ]!!Tew York Yacht 
Club, when she proved herself to be fast in light winds, and 
with her recent victory, stamps her to be a grand success. 



The Sun, New Tork^ October 13, 1873. 
THE GEEAT OCEAN RACE. 

A Test of the Seagoing Qualities of Our Yachts — ^A Lively Dash Over 
the Waves — Beautiful Moonlight Scenes — A Fine Eun to Cape May 
Lightship^ — Dead Beat Back to Windward — The Jjast Boat Back. 

The great Ocean Race which commenced on Thursday after- 
noon, aud was concluded yesterday by the arrival of the last 
of the contestants, brilliantly terminated the yachtiug season 
of '73. The weather was magnificent throughout, the racers 
ploughing their way through "white caps" glittering in the sun's 
rays by day, and through moonlit seas by night. The fleet had 
a splendid run down to Cape May Lightship with a free wind 
and a dead beat to windward returning. For two days it blew 
fresh, with high seas, and in fact from start to finish no element 
was wanting to make the race a satisfactory test of the sea- 
going qualities of the various craft engaged in the contest. 

The run down to the point of Sandy Hook was without any 



The Ocean Races, 87 

special incident. Off the Hook the accompanying steamers left 
the fleet and turned their prows homeward. Off the Highlands 
the wind freshened, coming from the eastward about two points 
abaft the beam. At this time the Clio and Enchantress were 
leading the fleet, closely followed by the Alarm and Dread- 
naught. A short distance astern were the Eva, A. Yan Name, 
Mary E. Fish, and Widgeon. The Thos. S. JSTegus, Eeindeer, 
Elwell, Edmund Blunt, and smack Wallace Blackford brought 
up the rear. At 5:15 tlie Widgeon, yacht rigged throughout, set 
jib-topsail, and commenced to overhaul the Mary Fish. Off the 
Highland lights the Negus and Reindeer also began to make 
play to the front. About 5:30 the fleet encountered considerable ' 
sea, into which bowsprits were pitched in a lively manner. All 
had every inch of muslin piled on which they could carry; but 
about dark staysails, jibtopsails and flying jibs began to come in. 
A rolling sea at supper time made the crockery jingle and sent 
the landsmen aboard the various craft on deck, too sick to nibble 
a biscuit, and the seas shipped sent them below again, drenched 
in spray, to seek consolation if possible in the arms of Morpheus. 
At 6:30 the wind was east by south, and the Enchantress was 
leading the fleet, having passed the Clio, which, however, strug- 
gled manfully for precedence with the big yachts Alarm and 
Dreadnaught. Off the weather bow of the Mary Fish were the 
Eva, Widgeon, and Yan Name, and a short distance astern were 
the Negus and Reindeer. After dark the vessels of the fleet be- 
gan to string out, the Enchantress being five or six miles ahead 
of the one bringing up the rear. About 9 the Mary Fish parted 
head rope of staysail and took it in. At 9:15 Barnegat light 
bearing west by half south, saw the Negus to leeward and the 
Reindeer to windward, both a little astern. The Eva and Wid- 
geon were on weather bow. Wind from the eastward, two 
points abaft the beam. 

As the moon rose high in the heavens the scene was grandly 
beautiful. The Mary Fish dashed through the waves, gaily 
sending showers of spray aloft, which flashed in the moonlight 
like diamonds, and left a glittering wake of foam far behind her. 



88 , A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

Ever and anon she plunged into a sea which swept her decks 
and washed in torrents out of the lee scuppers. Yast hills 
of water threatened to overwhelm the little craft, but as they 
overhung her she would ever mount the waves and dash through 
the sea like a duck. At 10:30 p. m. Little Egg Harbor light 
bore west by north. Wind east northeast and puffy, with light 
fleecy cloads obscuring the moon. At 12:20 a. m., Friday, Ab- 
secom light bore west. Wind northeast. About this time the 
Mary Fish shipped a tremendous sea and the jibboom was 
rigged in. Things began to look squally, and Capt. Brown 
called Pilots Watson, Hussey, Germond, and Maxwell on deck 
for a consultation. No harm was done except wetting the watch 
forward, and "freshening the nip" made everything serene. 

At 1:30 rockets were seen, an indication that a yacht was 
nearing the Lightship. At this time winged our foresail. Wind 
northeast. At 2:30 sighted the Lightship from aloft. Took reef 
in foresail and bonnet out of jib. Rockets began to go up in all 
directions to the astonishment of an old sailor aboard a coaster, 

who hailed the Mary Fish, and wanted to know what the 

was up. Blue lights and red lights burning showed that some of 
the fleet were rounding the Lightship, and rockets off to the 
southward showed that two or three vessels had gone too far in 
that direction. At 3 sent up two rockets. Viewed through a 
night glass the scene at the Lightship was a brilliant one. As 
the craft successively passed blue and red lights lit up 
the sea, and flashed on the Lightship enveloped in a shower 
of spray and foam. The Mary Fish dashed through the 
waves and came up rapidly. At 3:45 got ready to jibe, 
dangerous manoeuvre in a heavy sea. Single reefed mainsail 
and lowered the peak. At 3:53 jibed and came on a wind on 
the starboard tack, passing the Lightship at 3:55. Hailing the 
Lightship found,^only five vessels had passed, a small yacht being 
the last one. The wind was stiff from the northeast, a heavy sea 
running, and the barometer 30° 38', and rising. At 4:10 
shook out reefs, and about the same time saw a pilot boat, sup- 
posed to be the Elwell, passing Lightship. The morning broke 



The Ocean Races, 89 

•damp and chilly, and the spray flying over the deck of the Mary 
Fish brought out sou' westers, peajackets and India rubber boots. 
At 6 A. M. off Hereford passed to windward of the working 
schooner Van Name. Three yachts w^re seen astern, but it 
was too foggy to make them out. The wind about this time 
came out due north, and the long dead beat to windward up the 
Jersey coast had fairly commenced. On the wind, with plenty 
of it, is the Mary Fish's best point of sailing. As she came in 
sight of three or four of the white winged racers ahead a grim 
smile broke over the face of Capt. Dick Brown, and the recol- 
lection of fifty yachting triumphs, from the time he won the 
Queen's cup in the America to the present day, illumined his 
countenance. Says he to the Sun reporter : " Sonny, we are the 
smallest boat in the fleet, but the harder it blows down the 
•coast, and the heavier the sea, the better for us." 
. As the sun rose, made out the vachts Alarm and Clio or Eva 
astern, and the Elwell and Blunt. At 7:15 made out the "Wid- 
geon, ]N'egus and Dreadnaught ahead. A minute later the look- 
out aloft sighted the Enchantress on the weather bow, going like 
a race horse, with topmasts housed. She soon went out of sight 
and was not seen afterwards. At 7:30 the Mary Fish was gaining 
fast on the Widgeon, Negus and Dreadnaught. Standing offshore 
at this time on the port tack, the Mary Fish met the Alarm and 
Elwell standing in on the starboard tack. The two latter tacked 
in her wake, but were soon far astern. Near the Alarm and 
Elwell was the working schooner Yan Name. No other boats 
were in sight. Great Egg Harbor bore northwest at 8 a. m., at 
which time the Molly Fish had the fifth place in the race, with 
a chance of something better if the wind held. By the time 
breakfast was over the sun came out bright and warm. Every- 
body came on deck and things were made snug for a twenty-four 
hour dead beat to windward. The veteran darkey cook poked 
his head up out of the fore-castle, and as he tossed a lot of pota- 
toe peelings to leeward exclaimed, "Golly, Capt. Brown, give it 
to her. Dis is de breeze de Molly wants." At 9:20 the Dread- 
maught took in her jib, having evidently torn it badly. Soon 



90 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

after she took a reef in her mainsail, and gradually dropped to 
leeward. At ten a. m. the wind was north northeast and the 
barometer 30:42 and rising. Absecom light bore north by east 
about eight miles off. The Alarm, Yan Name and Elwell were 
six miles off on the lee quarter of the Mary Fish and nearly out 
of sight. The Negus and Widgeon were ahead on the lee bow 
and the Dreadnaught placed at a disadvantage by the accident 
to her jib, was gradually dropping astern. 

As the sun rose high in the heavens a more glorious subject 
for painter's brush or poet's pen than the scene presented could 
not be imagined. The vast hills of water which were following 
the Molly Fish the night previous were now ahead, and she 
dashed into and over them with an ease and buoyancy perfectly 
delightful. The sickening rolling seas of the night before had 
vanished, and in their stead was the inspiriting motion of a ves- 
sel by the wind. As far as the eye could reach "white caps " 
crowned the billows. Around the Mary Fish the gallant yachts 
were ploughing along with lee rails buried in foam, throwing 
the spray in showers over the decks and far to leeward. At one 
moment the bowsprits would point toward the zenith, and at 
another would plunge into the waves as if never to emerge there- 
from. Over all was a clear, blue sky and an October sun. 
About 11:30 the Mary Fish, which had been rapidly gaining on 
the Negus and Widgeon, was unfortunately headed by the wind 
a couple of points, and the shift of wind of course gave tne two 
latter a corresponding advantage. At this time tJae Negus was 
under whole sails, and the Widgeon had set her flying jib. The 
shift of wind placed them some distance to windward of the 
Fish. At 11:50 the Mary Fish tacked off Atlantic City- 
At 1 p. M. the Elwell was ahead of the Dreadnaught on her lee 
bow. All day long the Molly Fish made tacks up the coast in 
and off shore, Capt. Brown and Pilot Watson spelling each 
other at the helm. At 3 sighted the Negus and Widgeon 
ahead some distance to windward, tacking in shore. The Elwell. 
could be seen astern tacking off shore. The Dreadnaught, Yan 
Name, Blunt and Alarm were out of sight astern. At 3:30,,. 



The Ocean Races. 91 

while passing Little Egg Harbor, saw Commodore Belling's 
pretty yacht Meta at anchor. In the mouth of the harbor the 
Mary Fish went about on port tack, and stood off shore on the 
same tack for two hours and a half, when she went about and 
stood in shore on starboard tack. The wind was northeast, and 
sea going down all the time. The E^egus was carrying staysail 
and jibtopsail with ease, and the Widgeon also had all her mus- 
lin spread. At 5:40 the Mary Fish set her main gaff topsail. 
The Negus and Widgeon tacked off shore about the same time 
as the Fish, but when she tacked in shore continued standing to 
the eastward, and thereby gained a decided advantage over her. 
Had the Mary Fish continued standing off shore till midnight 
she would have held the easterly wind, and doubtless have been 
at Sandy Hook by daylight, and won the $1,000 purse. In so 
close a race with so powerful opponents as the Negus and 
Widgeon it was bad policy to " break tacks," and by doing so 
she lost all chance of winning the race. The indications were, 
however, that the wind would come out from the westward, 
which it did for a while, but not long enough to do any good. 

Barnegat was passed at 10.45, at which time the wind shifted 
to the northwest, and the Mary Fish rigged out her flying jib- 
boom and set balloon flying jib and main staysail. It soon 
veered back again to the northeast, and the momentary advan- 
tage was lost. At 1 A. M. wind hauled to the westward again for 
a few minutes, and the flying jib was again set, but taken in 
again, as the wind veered around once more to the northeast. 
From this time out had light and baffling breezes. At 6:30 a.m. 
Saturday, Toms river bore due west ; wind nor' nor'west, and 
variable. 

The Widgeon and Elwell were seen ahead. None of the 
other vessels of the fleet were in sight. At 11 a. m. continued 
in the doldrums, and the sails flapped idly against the masts. 
The Widgeon and Elwell were also lying becalmed a short dis- 
tance to the westward, the Widgeon being nearest the Sandy 
Hook Lightship. An unknown yacht, and pilot boat Edmund 
Blunt were seen coming up the coast. At 11:30 the Mary Fish 



92 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

and Elwell anchored just north of the taverns at Long Branch. 
At 1:4:5 p. M. the wind came out light from the southeast, and 
the Mary Fish and Elwell hauled up their mud hooks and made 
sail for the Lightship, which the Widgeon had passed a few 
minutes previous. The Clio and Blunt were seen astern about 2 
p. M., bringing up a light breeze from the southward. After 
drifting about for several hours the Mary E. Fish finally passed 
the Lightship, and was told by Capt. Cosgrove that she was the 
fourth vessel to arrive. The Enchantress passed the Lightship 
at 6:12 a. m., Thomas S. :N'egus at 8:49:30, Widgeon at 12:33:30 
p. M., Mary E. Fish at 7:40 p. m., James W. Elwell at 8:35 p. m., 
and the Dreadnaught, Clio, Edmund Blunt, and smack Wallace 
Blackford, a few minutes apart in the order named. The work- 
ing schooner William H. Yan Name arrived at 10:40. The 
Alarm up helm and started sheets and ran down the coast again 
about noon on Saturday, and the Eva and Reindeer were 
reported off Sandy Hook yesterday. The Enchantress thus 
wins the $1,000 cup for schooner yachts, the Thomas S. Negus 
takes the $1,000 purse, the William H. Yan Name pockets one 
$250 purse, and the Blackford, the only vessel in her class, of 
course, "mug-hunted" the other $250. 



The New York Times, October IZ, 1873. 
THE OCEAN EACE. 

From Our Special Correspondent. 

PrLOT-BoAT James W. Elwell, 

Sunday, October 12, 1873. 
In my dispatch sent from off Long Branch, on Thursday af- 
ternoon, I sent you a description of the start made by the yachts, 
pilot-boats, and others engaged in the Ocean Race for the prize, 
offered by Commodore Bennett, of the New York Yacht Club, 
the course being from an anchorage off Owl's Head, to and 
around the Cape May Lightship and return to Sandy Hook 
Lightship. I also described tne positions of the different ves- 



The Ocean Races, 93 

sels as they were overtaken by the darkness, which was as fol- 
lows: The Enchantress leading, with Clio somewhat astern, 
which in turn was followed by the Dreadnaught, Alarm, Van 
Name, Eva, Mary E. Fish, Widgeon, T. S. ISlegus,E. Blunt, James 
W. Elwell, Keindeer, in the order named, w^ith the little smack 
Wallace Blackford bringing up the rear. At this time the sea 
was running very heavy, and the breeze freshening from the 
north-east, betokening anything but a pleasant night's sail; but 
as everything on board was strong and taut, no apprehensions 
were entertained that anything would part. Shortly after 7 
o'clock the wind again hauled a little more to the eastward and 
increased to nearly half a gale, and about an hour later we were 
bowling along in fine style, and beginning to think that our 
chances of final success were improving, as the Elwell is a boat 
that sails well in a heavy, choppy sea and strong breeze, such as 
we had at this time. We were carrying all the canvas we 
could set, consisting of foresail, mainsail, maintopsail, jib, flying 
jib, and jib-topsail, together with a small maintopmast staysail. 
In the moonlight we could see that we were overhauling the 
Blunt, and shortly afterward passed her, when we cquld distin- 
guish nothing further. At 10 o'clock we were abreast of and 
passed Barnegat light. The sea at this point was particularly 
lumpy, causing our boat to pitch and roll considerably ; but we 
took in no water beyond a little spray occasionally over the bows 
The maintopmast staysail had just before this been taken in, and 
we were making good headway, notwithstanding the sea running. 
We passed little Egg Harbor, which bore nearly due west at 
11:32, having run from Barnegat, a distance of about nineteen 
miles, in one hour and thirty-two minutes. Nothing of interest 
occurred from this point until we arrived within about two miles 
of the Lightship at Cape May, when the mainsail was lowered 
and a single reef put in on account of the increased wind and sea. 
At this time we noticed some schooner firing rockets as a 
signal to those at the Lightship that she was rounding that 
point, and by the aid of powerful glasses recognized it as Pilot 
boat No. 10 (the Widgeon). We roanded at 4:15 a. m., and 



94 ^ Yachtsmans Scrap Book, 

stood on the starboard tack on the beat back. As we rounded 
the Lightship we inquired what boats had passed, and were 
informed that three yachts and three pilot-boats had already 
gone by, which we understood to be the Enchantress, Dreadnaught 
Alarm, Thomas S. iL^egus, and Widgeon. The Blunt rounded 
the turning point shortly after us, as we could see by her signals, 
as also the Eva. The sea, as we stood toward home, was worse 
than it had been yet, and we shipped two or three rather heavy 
doses of salt water, but, fortunately, without damage, and after 
standing first on one tack and then on the other for about two 
hours, the weather moderated somewhat and we shook the reef 
out of the mainsail. At daybreak every one was on deck, and 
eyes and glasses were turned in every direction to see if any of 
the racing fleet was in sight. It was at once discovered that the 
Blunt was about five miles astern of us, and the Mary E. Fish 
about the same distance ahead, although considerable to leeward, 
but none of the others were in sight. All became excitement to 
overhaul and pass the Fish, and every care was taken not to lose 
a single foot or slightest advantage. After sailing for some lit- 
tle time j.n this position, w^e appeared to be gaining on our 
leader, and shortly after caught and passed her, when we saw 
the Widgeon ahead of us and to windward, and soon after saw 
the Alarm to leeward and astern and seemingly laboring con- 
siderably. All hands were somewhat concerned about the little 
schooner Clio, and an anxious lookout was kept, but nothing 
could be seen of her. We had also seen nothing of the Yan 
Name, Reindeer or Blackford, or of the leading yachts. From 
this point we lost sight of the Widgeon and Alarm, although 
we could still see the Mary E. Fisli a little way astern of us and 
doing her utmost to regain the position we had wrested from her. 
So we sailed along until the darkness again fell and hid every- 
thing from view. All hands then went below and talked over 
the exciting events of the tussle we had had with the Fish. During 
the night we continued to make good way, and hopes were freely 
indulged in that we might reach the termination of our voyage by 
early morning. In the morning, as the light began to dawn, we no- 



The Ocean Races, 95 

ticed the Fish still a long way astern and some distance to wind- 
ward; but could not see anything else in sight. The sea at this 
time was calming down and the wind continuing to drop lighter and 
lighter so that grave doubts arose as to whether we should not be- 
come becalmed before many hours were over. This was soon re- 
duced to a certainty, for after standing in and off shore and making 
but little headway, we found ourselves off Long Branch although 
some distance at sea almost perfectly in the doldrums, the wind be- 
ing scarcely sufficient to cause a wave in the canvas. We then drifted 
about in this way for sometime, when the anchor was let go about 
eleven o'clock, and we patiently waited for the breeze to come up. 
The Fish was about one-half mile behind, but considerably 
nearer in shore. She was also obliged to adopt the same course 
as the Elwell, and wait for a breeze. Shortly after letting her 
anchor drop we noticed the Widgeon on our windward bow 
crawling up to the Lightship, but with her sails flapping lazily 
against the mast in the almost dead calm that prevailed. She, 
however, every now and then got a slight puff, although it was 
hardly enough to give her steerage-way. At half -past one 
o'clock the Fish caught a slight slant of wind off shore, and im- 
mediately weighed anchor and headed for the Lightship, passing 
the Elwell, which was again getting under way. Both boats 
then drifted about until nearly seven o'clock, when a slight 
breeze sprang up, enabling them to continue their course. The 
Fish passed the Sandy Hook Lightship ahead of us at 7:40, and 
our boat at 8:35. On inquiring of the judges at that station, we 
were informed that the Enchantress had rounded at 6:12 a. m. 
the Thomas S. Negus at 8:49:3, the Widgeon at 12:30, and the 
Fish at 7:40. Previous to our passing the Lightship, and at 
about dark, while we were drifting hopelessly about the sea, we 
noticed a black yacht a long way off to windward, which was 
taken for the Clio, but it was afterward discovered to be the 
Dreadnaught, as she rounded the Lightship at 8:38. This we 
were enabled to make out as she showed her signals in passing 
the Judges' station. The wind again dropped quite away, and it 
became apparent that we could not hope to reach shore that 



g6 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

night. We, however, headed for home, and after scarcely doing- 
more than drift, we arrived off Quarantine at 2 a. m., when we 
came to a final anchorage. Here also we found the Enchantress,, 
who remains there to be in readiness for her match with the 
Dreadnaught on Friday next. Mr. Loubat, her owner, stated to- 
your correspondent that should the Dreadnaught not start, he 
will sail over the course the same as the one just sailed and claim 
the cup. 

Of the boats which started on the race just made the follow- 
ing are now in, viz.: The yachts Enchantress, Dreadnaught,. 
Clio and Eva; the pilot boats Thomas S. !N"egus, Mary E. Fish, 
and J. W. Elwell ; the schooner Yan Name. There remains yet 
to be heard of, the Alarm, Blunt, Heindeer and Wallace Black- 
ford. 

The Enchantress^wins the $1,000 cup ; the Thomas S. Negu& 
the $1,000 in money ; the Yan Name, the $250 purse. The win- 
ner of the third prize of $250 is not yet decided. 



The New York Daily Tribune^ October 13, 1873. 

THE OCEAN YACHT RACE, 

A QUICK BUN TO CAPE MAT THE ENCHANTRESS THE WINNER. 

The Ocean Kaces for the Bennett Challenge Cup from Owl's 
Head to Cape May and return, began on Thursday afternoon, 
and the competing yachts, pilot-boats, and working schooners 
have been drifting at irregular intervals since 6 a. m. Saturday. 
The race which opened so brilliantly closed rather tamely. The 
course was from Owl's Head to and around the Lightship on 
Five-Fathom Bank off Cape May, and thence to the Sandy Hook 
Lightship where the Judges were stationed. The length of this 
course was about 245 miles. The prize of a $1,000 cup was to 
be awarded to the first yacht home, regardless of time allowance. 
A second prize of $1,000, and two of $250 each, were also of- 
fered to pilot boats, working schooners, and fishing smacks, un- 



The Ocean Races. 97 

der the condition that the first boat home of each of these 
classes should receive one of the prizes. 

Of the yachts the Enchantress and Dreadnaught were the 
favorites. The Eva and Clio were also well watched, though it 
was hardly expected that they could Compete successfully with 
the Enchantress and the Dreadnaught. With the coming of 
Friday morning the intervening distances had been widely in- 
creased. The run to the Lightship had been accomplished with 
marvelous speed, the breeze having continued and freshened 
throughout the night. Slight disasters had occurred. The En- 
chantress had encountered a tremendous sea and had split her 
jib. The balloon jib of the Alarm and the staysail of the 
Dreadnaught were out of order. Similar misfortunes had oc- 
casioned slight delay to other yachts, and nearly all had been 
obliged to reef their mainsails. The Enchantress was the first 
of the yachts to round the Lightship. Of the pilot boats, the 
Negus had taken the first place, with the Widgeon second, the 
Fish third, the Elwell fourth, and the Blunt last. The race 
home was a " beat dead to windward," and progress was neces- 
sarily slow. The Enchantress maintained the lead she had ob- 
tained. The Negus increased the gap behind her. The Elwell 
overhauled and passed the Fish, and bade fair to obtain soon a 
similar position with relation to the Widgeon. The fishing 
smacks and working schooners were not to be seen, but as there 
was no interest in their race, it mattered little. The Enchan- 
tress made good progress, and was the first vessel to reach the 
Sandy Hook lightship at 6:12 a. m. on Saturday. The remain- 
ing yachts were a long distance astern, and at about 8 a. m. the 
wind died out completely and left nearly all the racers becalmed 
within a few miles of the goal. This nearly killed the interest 
in a race which would otherwise have been an unprecedented 
success. 

The Negus had, however, obtained a position so favor- 
able that she was not seriously crippled by the calm and drifted 
across the line at 8:49:30 Saturday morning. These vessels, of 
course, were the winners of the races in which the interest cen- 



9^ A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

tered, but the remaining vessels of both classes were hopelessly 
becalmed. It was 12:33:30 when the Widgeon crossed the line. 
The Fish did not arrive till 7:40 p. m., and the Elwell's time was 
8:35. Then came the yacht Dreadnaught at 8:38, and the re- 
mainder of the fleet drifted about several hours longer before ac- 
complishing the few miles intervening between themselves and 
the Lightship. 

Of the working schooners the Yan Name arrived yesterday 
forenoon thus winning the $250 prize awarded to the winning 
schooner. 

IThe World, JVew York, October 13, 1873 J 

THE EETUEN OF THE YACHTS. 

A REVIEW OF THE OCEAN RACE AND A LIST OF THE WINNING BOATS. 

For many days previous to last Thursday tlie interest of all 
aquatic sport lovers had centered in the great Ocean Race for the 
Bennett Cup and money prizes, to be sailed over the course 
from Owl's head to and around the Lightship o:ff Cape May and 
back to the Lightship off Sandy Hook. Much speculation has 
been indulged in as to the probable result and most men f annil- 
iar with the qualities and condition of the various yachts and 
other vessels had fixed upon Mr. J. F. Loubat's yacht, the En- 
chantress, as likely to win the race and the cup. Under other 
circumstances perhaps the splendid reputation for seaworthiness 
won in many hard contested battles with rough weather and 
heavy seas by Mr. A. B. Stockwell's Dreadnaught would have 
made her a great favorite. But it seemed to be well known that 
the Dreadnaught was very "foul" from her summer's cruising, 
and in sad need of clean copper, new canvas, and other repairs. 
The Enchantress, on the other hand, was just off the dock, with 
bottom pumice-stoned till it shone like a mirror. She had a full 
crew,, and above all her owner was bound to win the race or 
bring her back without a stick in her or a stitch on her. Mr. 
A. C. Kingsland's Alarm, though in many respects a fine sailer, 
was not expected to win, and the Clio and Eva were looked upon 



The Ocean Races. ' 99 

as quite too small to be reliable should the weather prove heavy, 
as might reasonably be expected at this season of the year. 
Some thought that one of the twelve pilot boats, working 
schooners, or smacks entered might come off victor by some 
happy chance, but after all the Enchantress was by long odds 
the favorite, and justified the prediction of her admirers by a 
successful trip and the fair winning of a fair ocean race over a 
course 122 miles and return in thirty-nine hours. The Enchan- 
tress' trip was not marked by the occurence of any serious acci- 
dents beyond the splitting of her jib by the force of the wind and 
the carrying away of her bobstay by a heavy sea. These do not 
appear to have caused any considerable delay, so that her cruise 
may be considered a fair criterion of the seaworthiness and abil- 
ity of the yacht. The Dreadnaught, on the contrary, having 
shipped a chance crew at starting, met with a constant series of 
disasters, and was prevented from making a good showing in 
the race. The loss of her staysail and the unfortunate snarl into 
which her club-topsail got when being sent down preparatory to 
rounding the Cape May Lightship caused a dead loss of thirty- 
five minutes, and the subsequent parting of her jibstay rendered 
it necessary to run before the wind for nearly an hour in a di- 
rection exactly opposite to her course, by which she lost nearly 
four hours on her true course, and was therefore becalmed when 
the wind died away after some of her antagonists had reached 
the goal. In addition to this she carried away her jib owing to 
an imperfect splice in her leach -rope, and the mainsail showed 
signs of weakening at the reef cringle. Had the Dreadnaught 
been less unfortunate the Enchantress might perhaps have been 
more closely pressed and possibly her laurels would have been 
won in a much severer contest. Little is known of the course 
pursued by the Alarm after rounding the Cape May Lightship, 
and it was believed on board the Dreadnaught that owing to the 
carrying away of some portion of her rigging she was obliged to 
run before the wind to the Delaware breakwater for shelter. 
The leading boats rounded the Five Fathom Lightship in the 
following manner : Enchantress, Dreadnaught, Alarm, Widgeon. 



lOO A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

The Enchantress made the Sandy Hook light-ship at 6 h. 12 ra, 
Saturday morning, winning the yacht cup; the Thomas S. ISTegus. 
No. 1. at 6h. 49 m. 30 s., winning the first money prize; the Mary 
E. Fish, No. 4, at 7 h. 40 m.; the Dreadnaught at 8 h. 40 m. Sat- 
urday afternoon. Off the Lightship after dark Saturday even- 
ing the scene was an unusual one. There was a dead calm, and 
the sea, which had been so heavy during the entire trip, had 
quieted down to a long and steady swell. The moon in the 
eastern sky sent a long wake of light across the water, and on 
all sides the distance was filled with the signal lights and shadowy 
forms of vessels of every sort, some at anchor and others lying 
to, idly yielding to the long sweep of the swell and describing 
with their tall masts huge arcs among the stars. Now and then 
a steamer or a tug with a seaward-bound craft in tow would cross 
the wake of the moon and steam away for the harbor or disap- 
pear in the offing. Presently "eight bells" sounded from the 
Lightship, and a few moments after a red rocket shot from some 
vessel far in shore into the sky, exploding in a shower of colored 
lights. 

Another followed from the same quarter, and then an- 
other and another from boats more or less distant, while on 
the Elwell and the Dreadnaught, then just drifting past the 
Lightship, blue and red signal fires were burned, casting their 
weird, strange light upon rigging, spars, and sails, and leaving 
as they died out a momentary sense of utter darkness. Soon 
after this a light breeze sprung up, offering an opportunity to 
those who desired to make an anchorage inside the Hook. 



The Commercial Advertiser, Wew York, October 13, 1873. 

THE STORY OF THE RACEES. 

WHAT IT DEMONSTRATES LIGHT VESSELS IN A KOUGH SEA. 

Now that the winning boats of the great Ocean Regatta are 
known and are safely in port, it is pleasant to hear the story of 
the sailing-masters and the passengers. Taking the reports as 
they come to us, the yacht Enchantress, which wins the first 



The Ocean Races. loi 

prize, should be proud of herself. She made the run from New 
York to Cape May in excellent time, and in a heavy sea. The 
]n'oblem of light vessels, such as the yachts of the New York 
Club generally are, crossing the Atlantic, was solved by the race 
between the Fleetwing, Yesta, and the Henrietta, in which the 
Henrietta was the winner, and since that time the white sails of 
the yachts have been spread in all the pleasant places of the 
world, from the British coast to Spain, and up in the Mediter- 
ranean, where Mr. Lorillard left his yacht, a wreck, and gave to 
us, through the medium of the foreign correspondents, a story 
of romance in which life ashore, under a tent, guarded by Arabs, 
needed only the presence of the requisite number of houris to 
make it a chapter from the " Arabian Nights." Yacht-owners' 
comfort divides itself into two distinct features — the comfort of 
lazy indifference, and the comfort of a cruise. The fact that 
vessels of the class of larger boats of the New York Yacht Club 
can go almost anywhere with safety, has placed a new complexion 
upon yachts and yachting in America. It is an expensive luxury, 
but there is something indefinably "nice" and commendably 
jolly in having a yacht, and being able to go where one pleases — 
providing always that there be a wind. Here comes in the point 
where the demonstrated safety of the vessels at sea adds to the 
first division of the yacht-owners' comfort, and where the lazy 
indifference of the occasion is made doubly grateful by the 
safety. 

The records of the racers in the race to Cape May and back are 
interesting in more ways than one. They tell just what the other 
boats did — the boats which are not yet home, and the work done 
by the Enchantress is worthy of remembrance. Notwithstand- 
ing a heavy sea, the yacht made the run from Owl's Head, in 
New York Harbor, to Five Fathom Lightship, off Cape May, 
a distance of 121^ miles, in ten hours and forty-five minutes, and 
beat back again in twenty-eight hours and fifteen minutes, mak- 
ing the entire run of 247 miles in thirty-nine hours. This is not 
a quick run home, but it shows that vessels built for pleasure, 
well manned and properly equipped, may be used to an advantage 



I02 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

in a sea, and, with ordinary " luck at sea," may be depended up- 
on for long and even tempestuous voyages. 

The race to Cape May and back is also important, since boats 
of several classes were thrown into competition and contrast. 
The pilot boats of New York Harbor have measured their dis- 
tances and ability with the yachts, and are a representative 
class, with which sea work is not a specialty, but a general oc- 
currence. 

The pilot boat "Thomas S. ISTegus is the winner of the prize 
for her class, and the run made by this vessel shows that the 
pilot boats are to be trusted also, since the new boat has done 
so well, and the working schooner, Wm. H. Van Name, is 
winner of the third prize. 

The contest demonstrates the fact that the " pleasure-boat 
navy " of America is worthy of representation at home and wor- 
thy of imitation abroad. The old idea that size and weight were 
necessary at sea is exploded by the record of the performances 
of these light-craft, and the improvements made in such archi- 
tecture as yacht-building are each year adding new wonders to 
the performances of the vessels of the various yacht club fleets. 
The ocean regattas are a benefit — ^far more so than the ordinary 
races over the Yacht Club course from Staten Island to the 
Lightship and back, as it makes a necessity that the vessels should 
be in thorougli sea-going trim, and should be handled with care 
to procure speed and yet keep the yacht in good condition for 
the work required of her — and the repetition of such regattas 
will doubtless bring forward more boats that have yet to win a 
sea record, and inaugurate a new system of ocean navigation in 
pleasure craft as beautiful as they are seaworthy. 



TU New York Herald, October 15, 1873. 

In the recent Ocean Regatta the Clio, Messrs. Asten & Brad- 
hurst, was the winner of a $250 cup from the Eva, Mr. E. Burd 
Grubb. It is only fair to state that the owners of the Clio are 
willing to sail any yacht of her size and tonnage to wind- 



The Ocean Races. 103 

ward and return, feeling assured that she will give a good ac- 
count of herself. 

The schooner Alarm, Rear Commodore Kingsland, passed , 
Sandj Hook Lightship at nine o'clock Sunday night, having 
made the run from Five Fathom Bank Lightship in twelve hours. 
The reason that Commodore Kingsland ordered his yacht to 
abandon the ocean race on Friday morning, when she held a cap- 
ital position, is that one of the men on board was seriously ill 
requiring immediate medical aid, so they bore away for Cape 
May, where a physician was found. There is no doubt that the 
Alarm would have done well in the contest could she have con- 
tinued. 

The schooner Eva, one of the yachts which started in the 
Ocean Regatta and did not return, has been heard from at Burling- 
ton, on the Delaware, the residence of her owner. She arrived 
there on Sunday morning in a disabled condition. Among the 
accidents that happened her were the disabling of her steering 
apparatus, and the breaking of her fore-chain plate, which carried 
away the bolt out of the topping lift and sprung the flying jib- 
boom. At this time the sailing master of the Eva concluded 
that it would be safer to abandon the race, and so changed the 
course of the yacht. 



The New York Herald, October 18, 1873. 
THE OCEAN RACES. 

Official Report of the Committee of the New York Yacht Club Announcing 
the Winners of the Great Ocean Race Prizes. 

New Yoek, Oct. 16, 1873. 

The Regatta Committee of the New York Yacht Club submit 
the following report of the ocean regatta sailed on the 9th inst. 
for prizes presented by James Gordon Bennett, Esq., Commodore 
of the Club:— 



ro4 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

THE PRIZES. 

The prizes offered were as follows, viz: 

First — Prize of the value of $1,000, to be sailed for by 
schooner yachts belonging to any organized yacht club , from an 
anchorage off Owl's Head, Kew York Harbor, to and around the 
Lightship on Five Fathom Eank, off Cape May, N. J., and re- 
turn to Sandy Hook Lightship. 

Second — Three purses ; one of the value of $1,000, and two of 
the value of $250 each, to be sailed for over the same course, 
upon the same day, and open to the following classes of vessels, 
hailing from any port in the United States: — 

1. Pilot boats. 

2. Working schooners of not less than 25, nor over 300 tons, 
old measurement. 

3. Schooner smacks. 

In this race the first vessel arriving at the winning post to 
take a purse of $1.000 ; the first vessel arriving of each of the 
other two classes to take a purse of $250. 

ENTRIES. 

The entries were as follows, viz: 

YACHTS. 

Name. Owner. Tonnage. 

Enchantress J. F. Loubat 276. 16 

Alarm , . . . A. 0. Kingsland 225.77 

^n. j T. B. Asten 59.18 

^^^^ / T. 0. P. Bradhur-st 

Eva E. Burd Grubb. 77.50 

Atalanta William Astor 145.41 

Dreadnaught A. B. Stoekwell 240.00 

PILOT BOATS. 

Widgeon No. 10 New York Pilots 105.09 

Hope, No. 1 New York Pilots 132.04 

Edmund Blunt, No. 21 . . . New York Pilots — 

C. H. Marshall, No. 3 ... . New York Pilots 85.00 

James W. Elwell, No. 7. . . New Jersey Pilots 165.00 

Thomas S. Negus, No. 1 . , New Jersey Pilots — 

Mary E, Fish, No. 4 New Jersey Pilots — 



The Ocean Races. io5 

WORKING SCHOONERS. 

Designating letter. 

W. H. Van Name A W. H. Van Name 180.00 

Eeindeer B . . . . Captain Howard 140.06 

Sharpshooter C . . . . F. M. Grossman 120.00 

Racer D Eugene Howard — 

SCHOONER SMACKS. 

Wallace Blackford, E H. C. Kogers & Co. 80.00 

CONTESTANTS. 

On the day appointed for the regatta the following vessels 
were at the anchorage prepared for the start : — 

YACHTS. 

Name. Owner. Tonnage. 

Enchantress J. F. Loubat 276.16 

Alarm A. C. Kingsland 225.77 

j T. B. Asten 59.18 

Clio ) T. C. Bradhurst — 

Eva ■ E. Burd Grubb 77.50 

Dreadnaught A. B. Stockwell 240.00 

PILOT BOATS. 

Widgeon, No. 10 New York Pilots 105.00 

James W. Elwell, No. 7. ..New Jersev Pilots 165.00 

Thomas S. Negus, No. l...New Jersey Pilots — 

Mary E. Fish, No. 4 New Jersey Pilots — 

Edmund Blunt, No. 2 . . . . New York Pilots — 

WORKING SCHOONERS. 
Designating Letter. 

W. H. Van Name A. . . .W. H. Van Name 180.00 

Reindeer B Captain Howard 140 00 

SCHOONER SMACKS. 

Wallace Blackford H. C. Rogers & Co 80.00 

The preparatory signal was given at 3:02 p. m. The vessels 
were started at 3:12 p. m. 

The person who was sent to Cape May to take the time of 
rounding the Five Fathom Bank Lightship was unable to board 
that vessel, because of the strong northeast wind and high sea 
prevailing, and no official time at that point can be given. 



io6 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

HOME TO THE LIGHTSHIP. 

The time of arrival at Sandy Hook Lightship was as follows 

YACHTS. 

H. M. 

Enchantress, October 11 , 6 12 a.m. 

Dreadnaught, October 11 8 30 p.m. 

Olio, October 12 1 22 a.m. 

Alarm Not taken 
Eva — Not taken 

PILOT BOATS. 

H. M. S. 

Thomas S. Negus, October 11 8 49 30 a.m. 

Widgeon, October 11 12 33 30 p.m. 

Mary E. Fish, October 11 7 40 00 p.m. 

James W. Elwell October 11, 8 25 00 p.m. 

Edmund Blunt, October 11 9 ■ 44 00 p.m. 

WOKKING SCHOONEBS. 

W. H. Van Name, October 11 10 52 00 p.m, 

Reindeer — Not taken 

SMACK. 

Wallace Blackford October 11 11 44 00 p.m. 

THE WINNEBS. 

The prizes are awarded as follows : — 

The Yacht Prize to Enchantress. 

The $1,000 Purse to PUot boat Thomas S. Negus. 

One $250 Purse to schooner William H. Van Name. 

One $250 Purse to smack Wallace Blackford. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

Eletcheb R. Westeay ] 
WiLiiiAM Kbebs, I Regatta 

E. E. Chase, ] Commttee. 

Chables a. Minton, j 



The New York Herald, Octoher 23. 1873. . 

OCEAN RACING. 

From Owl's Head to Five Fathom Bank Lightship and Return — The 
Schooner Smack Wallace Blackford willing to Sail any Vessel of her 
class for $2,000, 



The Ocean Races. 107 

New Yokk, Oct. 22, 1873. 
To the Editor of the Herald: — 

Through the liberality of the Commodore of the New York 
Yacht Club our schooner smack was lately permitted to test her 
sailing qualities in the Ocean Race with some of the swiftest sail- 
ing craft of J^few York Bay ; but, very much to our disappoint- 
ment, the Wallace Blackford had no competitor of her class, 
thereby depriving us of the privilege of demonstrating that she 
is the fastest sailing fishing smack afloat. 

Permit us to say, through the columns of the Herald, that the 
smack Wallace Blackford is open to sail over the same course 
against any fishing smack (with a well) for a purse of $2000, at 
any time before December 30, 1873. Respectfully yours, 

Eugene G. Blackford. 

11. C. IvOGERS & Co. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE CAPE MAY CHALLENGE CUP KACE. 



The New York Herald, September 23, 1873. 

The Owner of the Enchantress Looking for the Cape May Challenge Cup 
—The Dreadnaught Called Out— Mr. Loubat Willing to Sail any 
Yacht of an Organized Club across the Atlantic. 

Union Club, New York, Sept. 22, 1873. 

Captain Stockwell, Yacht Dreadnaught, New York Yacht 
Club:— 

Dear Sir : — I hereby challenge your Yacht Dreadnaught to 
sail my yacht Enchantress, on Tuesday, the 14:th day of October 
next, at twelve m., for the Cape May Challenge Cup, presented 
by Commodore J. G. Bennett to the New York Yacht Club, 
Course, from Sandy Hook Lightship to Five Fathom Lightship 
(Cape May) and return. 

Should you desire any extension of time please name any 
day to suit your own convenience up to the 1st of November 
next, although, according to the tenure by which you hold said 
challenge cup, you are obliged to race any challenger during the 
racing season — that is, from the third Thursday in June to the 
third Thursday in October in each year, on a fifteen days' notice, 
or forfeit the cup to the challenger. 

I sliall, therefore, hold you to such race,and if you do not accept 
this challenge I shall go over the course on Tuesday, the 14th of 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 109 

October next, starting from Sandy Hook Lightship at 12 m. and 
claim said challenge cup, as I recognize no right in a holder of a 
challenge cup to refuse a challenge on anj plea whatsoever. 

As to the ocean race from Sandy Hook Lightship to Cowes 
(Isle of Wight), of which you spoke yesterday, I can but repeat 
that 1 am not willing to stake such a large sum as $25,000 on a 
race, but that, should it be agreeable to you or any member of 
any organized yacht club in the United States to challenge my 
yacht, Enchantress, for a race across the Atlantic — entrance 
$5,000 or less, play or pay — to be sailed from Sandy Hook 
Lightship at 12 m. on any day which may suit your or their 
convenience from the 8th to the 16th of November next, I will 
be most happy to accept any such challenge or challenges. 

I should require notice thereof, however, before the 1st of 
October next. 

I send copy of this letter to Mr. Charles A. Minton, Secre- 
tary of the New York Yacht Club, to be placed by him on file, 
and remain. Yours truly, 

J. F. LOUBAT. 



The New York Herald, September 25, 1873. 

The Cape May Challenge Cup — Letter of the Secretary of the New 
York Yacht Club to the owner of the Enchantress — Mr. Loubat's 
Reply — Resolved to Sail for the Cup and claim it, unless beaten. 

Club Booms, Sept. 23, 1873. 
J. F. LouBAT, Esq.: — 

Dear Sir — I have your favor of yesterday and note con- 
tents. I saw Mr. Stockwell to-day, and, as far as I can 
understand it, there appears to be some misunderstanding 
between you and himself as regards the Cape May Challenge 
Cup. He considers himself still under challenge from the 
Magic, and until that is settled, either by the withdrawal of one 
of the parties, or sailing of the match, that he is not open to be 
challenged by any other vessel. Your impression on the con- 
trary, as expressed on Sunday, I understood to be, that the 



no A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

match was off. It appears to be a question as to how long 
a yacht under challenge can hold a cup when neither of the par- 
ties intends to sail for it. I have my own views upon the subject 
but would prefer laying the matter before the Regatta Commit- 
tee before expressing them. 

As soon as a definite opinion is arrived at I will advise you* 
Yours, very truly, 

C. A. MiNTON, Secretary. 

MR. LOUBAt's reply. 

Chas. a. Minton, Secretary N. Y. Y. C. : 

Union Club, Kew York, Sept. 24, 1873. 
Dear Sir : — In answer to your favor of yesterday's date I beg 
to remark that, without assuming that "neither of the parties in- 
tend to sail," I must insist that the only proper answer to my 
challenge is notice of intended sailing this season under a 
challenge which precludes the possibility of accepting mine. 
There is not, nor can be, a misunderstanding. I intend to sail 
over the Cape May Challenge Cup course on Tuesday, the 14th 
of October next, starting from the Sandy Hook Lightship at 
twelve M., and to claim the challenge cup, unless I am beaten. 

Yours, very truly, 

J. F. LoUBATl 

I send a copy of this letter to Captain Stockwell. 



The Field, London, October 11, 1873. 
ANOTHEE YACHT RACE. 

We learn from the Spirit of the Times that there is a 
chance of a race being made across the Atlantic by the 
Dreadnaught, Capt. Stockwell, and the Enchantress, Oapt. 
Loubat. We learn from the same paper that the Dreadnaught, 
holder of the Bennet Challenge Cup, is under challenge from the 
Enchantress to sail a match from Sandy Hook to Cape May 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 1 1 1 

Lightship and back on the 14th of October. There however ap- 
pears to be some difficully about the challenge, as the owner 
of the Ureadnaught declares that he is under challenge from the 
Magic, and cannot accept two challenges. The New York 
Yacht Club is probably used to this sort of thing, and will prove 
quite equal to the occasion. As the matter at present stands, 
Capt. Loubat insists on the legitimacy of his challenge, unless 
the Dreadnaught and Magic intend sailing this season ; at 
any rate the Enchantrefes will be at Sandy Hook Lightship at 
twelve noon on the 14th inst., and will sail over the course and 
claim the challenge cup, unless the Dreadnaught is there to beat 
her. 



The New York Herald, October 14, 1873. 

The challenge of Mr. J. F. Loubat, owner of the Enchan- 
tress, to Mr. A. B. Stockwell, owner of the Dreadnaught, to sail 
from Sandy Hook Lightship to and around Five-Fathom Bank 
lightship and return, for the Cape May Challenge Cup (now 
held by the Dreadnaught), was accepted by the latter gentleman 
and this day fixed for the race. Yachtsmen in general agreed 
that the event would be very interesting, and since the great 
ocean races they have expressed the opinion that it could not be 
otherwise than particularly exciting. In the late run to the 
Cape May Lightship and back the Dreadnaught was quite unfor- 
tunate in splitting sails and receiving other damage, which 
will prevent her from appearing at the starting point, thus 
leaving the Enchantress to " walk over " the course. It is cer- 
tain that the owner of the Dreadnaught desires to sail the race, 
but as his yacht is not in fit condition to attempt it he must ac- 
cept the alternative. 

T?ie Sun, New York, October 13, 1873. 
THE DISPUTES OF THE YACHTSMEN. 
The Clio, though the smallest of the fleet, sailed over 



112 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

the course, without a mishap, carrying sail through wind 
and sea in a manner which proved her seaworthy qualities. 
During the race other and larger yachts came to grief, and her 
immediate competitor, the saucy Eva, was left by the fleet Clio 
far astern. 

The race for the $500 Cape May Challenge cup was to have 
been sailed to-day between the Enchantress and the Dread- 
naught, the latter of which won the cup last year. Owing to 
her disabled condition she will not be ready to sail to-day, and 
as the owner of the Enchantress will not give her any further 
time it will be a "mug hunt" for the Enchantress, which will ap- 
pear at the starting point and claim and receive the cup. 



The World, Wew York, October 14, 1873. 
MUG HUNTING. 

THE ENCHANTKESS REFUSES TO ACCEDE TO THE DREADNAUGHT's 

REQUEST FOR DELAY. 

The Bennett Cape May Challenge Cup has for the past year 
been held by Mr. Stockwell, owner of the Dreadnaught, which 
last fall won it from the Palmer in a well-contested race over 
the prescribed course from Sandy Hook to Cape May light-ship 
and return in twenty-six hours. According to the rule by which 
this challenge cup is held its holder is bound to have his yacht 
in readiness to sail a race over the prescribed course whenever 
called upon to do so from the opening of the yachting season up 
to the 1 6th of the present month, or relinquish the cup. Hardly 
•had the Dreadnaught returned from her recent encounter with 
the Enchantress in so crippled a condition as to render her quite 
unseaworthy when her owner finds himself challenged by Mr. 
Loubat, the owner of the Enchantress, to sail a race for this cup 
over the same course, starting to day at 12 m. The limit of time 
during which a holder of this cup may be challenged is looked 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race. \\% 

upon as simply a protection for the holder, preventing the 
necessity of keeping his yacht in the water and in sailing trim 
the year round. Understanding this, Mr. Stockwell sent word 
to Mr. Loubat representing the impossibility of putting the 
Dreadnaught in fit sailing condition, or even repairing her injur- 
ies so as to make her safely seaworthy at so short notice, and 
offering, if a delay of a few days could be afforded, to waive his 
right of refusing to sail after the 16th instant. To this message 
the following reply was yesterday received: 

A. B. Stockwell Ecq. 

My Dear Sir : I regret that I cannot accede to your request 
for delay. The challenge cup, as you will probably recollect, 
must be sailed for by Thursday next. I shall, therefore, sail from 
Sandy Hook Lightship Tuesday the 14 inst. at 12 m., and shall 
claim the challenge cup, as also our private cup, unless defeated. 

Yours, respectfully, 

J. F. Loubat, 

Yacht Enchantress, N. Y. Y. C. 
New York, October 12, 1873. 

The private cup alluded to in the above note is a $1,000 cup 
which these gentlemen have individually wagered upon the 
result of this race, and goes with the challenge cup mentioned 
above. It is said that several gentlemen, members of the New 
York Yacht Club, yesterday visited the Dreadnaught to 
satisfy themselves of the truth of her reported condition, and 
then called upon Mr. Loubat for the purpose of dissuading him 
from a course which they consider unfair "mug hunting" and 
but little designed to promote sport on the water or harmony and 
good feeling in the Club. Mr. Stockwell desires that it may be 
announced that he will be ready, if notified at once, to race the 
Enchantress for these two cups over any course known to the 
New York Yacht Club at any time after Friday next, though he 
should certainly decline to yield the private challenge cup if the 
race is insisted upon before that time, on the ground that the bet 
was a verbal one and not made "play or pay." 



114 ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

The Evening Mail, New York^ October 14, 1873. 
A VERY SMALL BUSINESS. 

Mr. Joseph F. Loubat, the owner of the yacht Enchantress, 
appears to be disposed to play what in lower circles is called an 
" open and shut game," in order to get away from the owner of 
the Dreadnaught the challenge cup so fairly won by that fine 
yacht last Fall. By a strict construction of the rules of the 
yacht club, the winner of the challenge cup is bound to be ready 
to sail a race whenever called upon to do so between the opening 
of the subsequent yachting season and the 16th of October. As 
is well known, the Dreadnaught has just come into port from a 
recent race, in so crippled a condition as to be unfit for sailing ; 
and the owner of the Enchantress takes advantage of the cir- 
cumstance to send in his demand for a race, together with the 
claim that both the challenge cup and a $1,000 cup privately 
wagered shall belong to the winner. In view of this fact that 
the Dreadnaught is really disabled and notwithstanding the pro- 
tests and wishes of the members of the Club, Mr. Loubat insists 
upon compliance with his challenge and churlishly notifies the 
owner of the Dreadnaught of his intention to sail over the racing 
course to-day and thereafter assert his claim to the two cups. 
This, too, in spite of the announcement that the challenged 
party will waive his right to refuse sailing after the date fixed by 
the rules, and will be ready to sail at any time after Friday next. 
Of course, there can be but one opinion touching Mr. Loubat's 
conduct in this matter, for, independently of the mug-hunting 
disposition it evinces, there is certainly about it such a repudia- 
tion of the commonest principles of courtesy and fair play as 
ought to make the winner in such a mean game forever feel as 
if he had paid a very high price for his surreptitious gains. We 
dislike to characterize, in type, an action so utterly antagonistic 
to the high-toned code which is generally supposed to govern 
yachtsmen. 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 1 1 5 

The Sun, New York, October 15, 1873. 
Mr. J. F. Loubat, of the yacht Enchantress, seems to ns to 
be acting rather ungenerously in requiring Mr. Stockwell, of the 
• Dreadnaught, to sail a race without giving him a fair time to re- 
fit his yacht and make her seaworthy after the damages she re- 
ceived in the recent contest for the Cape May cup. 



The New York Times, New York, October 15, 1873. 
COCKLE-SHELLS. 

A controversy is said to be pending between the owners of 
two of our leading yachts, which may appropriately be made 
the occasion of recurring to certain views on the subject of 
yachting, which we expressed the other day. Last year, the 
Cape May Challenge Cup was won by the Dreadnaught, from 
the Palmer, in a match race from Sandy Hook to Cape May and 
back within the allotted time of twenty-six hours. By the terms 
on which the cup is given, it must be held by the winner, at all 
times during the yachting season, open to challenge for a trial 
over the same course, or else it must be relinquished. The late 
ocean race which the Enchantress won, beating the Dreadnaught 
and others, was not, it must be understood, for this but for 
another special prize. Now, the owner of the Enchantress, as 
is clearly his right, challenges the Dreadnaught to a race for 
the Challenge Cup before Thursday, the 16th inst. at which 
date the season ends. The owner of the Dreadnaught pleads for 
delay on the ground that his yacht has been so strained by the 
late race as to be unseaworthy, and offers, if time be given, to 
waive his right of refusing to sail after the 16th. 

To many this proposition will appear perfectly fair, and Mr. 
Loubat, the owner ot the Enchantress, will be charged with all sorts 
of unworthy motives for insisting upon his technical rights. We 
do not coincide with this view. Stanchness, not less than speed, is 
an element, if it be not the chief element of merit in an ocean 
race ; and the fact that, after such a race, the Enchantress is in 



1 1 6 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

better trim to encounter another than the Dreadnaught, shows 
of itself that she is better entitled to the award of superiority. 
The cup is given on condition that its holder shall be always 
ready, during a prescribed term, to vindicate his right to hold it; 
and for a yachtsman to attempt to evade such an express obli- 
gation, on the ground that his boat is unseaworthy, is simply to 
admit the whole question put at issue by the offer of such a 
prize, and to confess that he has forfeited his claim to retain it. 
We refer to the matter because disputes of this kind are 
constantly arising, and because such an excuse, if seriously put 
forth and entertained, is a stain upon the name of American 
yachting. The truth is, our amateur mariners have so educated 
themselves to believe that swiftness and beauty of outline were 
alone essential to a model yacht, that everything like solidity 
appears to have been sacrificed to these graces. If yachts are 
meant for playthings, to amuse a summer fancy, this is well 
enough. But let our yacht clubs have this clearly imderstood, 
aud resign all claim to be anything but smooth-water sailors. 
When Mr. Ashbury came over here after the American cup, and 
went away without it, everybody was well pleased. But if, at 
the end of that week of races, a sailor had been asked to choose 
between the Livonia — stanch and sound as when she entered — 
and any one of the three or four yachts that almost went to 
pieces in the effort to beat her, is it likely that he would have 
long hesitated ? 

We look with regret on controversies like this between the 
Enchantress and Dreadnaught, because their very nature implies 
a degeneration in the spirit of our yachtsmen and the build of 
our yachts alike. For this reason, and as one means to check 
this demoralization, we hope to see Mr. Loubat press his claim, 
and, if possible, set a precedent which may not be disregarded. 
A yacht that is knocked up by a single race ought to be content 
with such trophies as may be gathered on light winds and 
smooth water, and leave worthier triumphs to worthier and 
stouter competitors. 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 1 1 7 

The World, New York, October 15, 1873. 
THE PAST YACHTING- SEASON. 

The season of the New York Yacht Club for 1873 has not, 
we regret to say, reflected any credit whatever on that organiza- 
tion. It has been proved, indeed, although it was sufficiently evi- 
dent before, that the Club possesses a number of vessels capable of 
making high speed in smooth water and with a light breeze. 
But upon the annual cruise of the club it was proved also either 
that the majority of the yachts were not fit, or that the majority 
of the yachtsmen were not inclined to face the summer breezes 
of the Sound, although while the large schooners and sloops of 
the Yacht Club were lying wind-bound, open boats were racing 
across the same Sound. The recent outside races have been 
still more discreditable than the summer cruise. The race of 
the Meta and the Vision proved nothing except that those sloops, 
which are certainly large enough to be good sea-boats, are nut 
sea-boats at all. The sloop Yindex, which would have no possi- 
ble chance with either of them in the inside summer races to 
which the majority of yachtsmen addict themselves, put them 
both utterly to shame in weather which they ought to have been 
equally well prepared to encounter. The recent race to Cape 
May and back, in which no severer weather was encountered 
than any coasting schooner pursues her voyages in without 
difficulty, crippled or drove into harbor nearly all tlie contestants 
in it. The result of these races has been to show that our 
yachts, superior as they probably are to the English yachts for 
speed in light weather, are utterly inferior to them for sea-going 
qualities. For the English yachts habitually sail races with no 
greater disaster than the occasional loss of a light spar or a light 
sail in such weather as drove the Meta into port, rendered the 
Vision utterly helpless, and seriously injured the Eva and the 
Dread naught. It is evident that in some ■ cases by reason of 
model, in other cases by reason of rig, most of our yachts are 
very ill-suited to improve marine architecture, which is one 
chief reason of being of yacht clubs, or of developing a class of 



1 1 8 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

amateur sailors, which is the other. This is a valuable lesson, if 
our yachtsmen will consent to learn it and act upon it. But it 
seems that some of them are much in need of learning a lesson 
in courtesy and fair dealing. These qualities the Kew York 
Yacht Club has always prided itself upon promoting, the asser- 
tions of the defeated Mr. Ashbury to the contrary notwithstand- 
ing. And these qualities are conspicuously absent from the 
recent behavior of the owner of the Enchantress in insisting that 
the Dreadnaught shall sail against his yacht in a crippled con- 
dition or surrender without a contest the prize which was fairly 
and well won by the Dreadnaught a year ago. In either case- 
the prize could have no possible value as a trophy. If yachting 
is to be regarded merely as a means towards the acquisition of 
a collection of silverware, the owner of the Enchantress may be 
called a yachtsman. But if yachting is a " manly sport," his 
course in relation to the challenge cap held by the Dreadnaught 
does not suggest to us that he is qualified to succeed in it. 



Tlie New York Times, Nefuo York, October 17, 1873. 

THE CAPE MA.y CHALLENGE CUP. 

Between 9 and 10 o^clock Tuesday morning the yacht En- 
chantress left her anchorage off Staten Island and proceeded to 
Sandy Hook. At noon she started alone over the course 
prescribed for the Bennett Cape May Challenge Cup, from the 
Hook to Cape May Lightship and return. The present holder 
of the cup, the Dreadnaught, is now refitting damage received in 
the ocean race of the 9th inst., and was unable to join in the 
contest. The sloop ya<iht Yixen, with a member of the Racing 
Committee on board am^^hored off the Lightship shortly before 
12 o'clock, and at 12; 1& gave the signal for the Enchantress to 
start. She had her smaJl-main topsail and jfc-topsail set, tliere 
being at the time p, good west by north breeze. The distance 
between the poi^t of the JHook and the Ocean House at Long 
.branch — fouiftg^n miles-rs^vas made in one hour and fifteen 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 119 

rninutes. Commodore Stockton's house, twenty-two miles from 
the Hook, whs passed at 4:18 p. m. About this time the breeze 
decreased, whereupon the large balloon topsail was set. At 6 
p. M. Little ^^% Harbor was passed bearing west-south-west 
five miles off, and at 6:20 Absecom Light was made aud 
passed at 7:35. The wind fell, and the yacht slowly drifted 
toward the Lightship, which was siarhted at 11 p. m. At 11;15 
the large maintop mast staysail and balloon jib were got ready 
to set as the Lightship was turned, which was accomplished at 
1:30 A. M. on Wednesday morning. Mr. Loubat hailed the 
light-ship and asked the people on board to take the yacht's 
time. The balloon sails were then set, but at 3:25 a. m. the 
wind hauled to the nor'ard, and the balloon jib had to be taken 
in. At 5:25 a. m. her head was east by north. At 5:30 a. m. 
the jib topsail and maintopmast staysail were hauled down and 
the yacht went about, heading on this tack north by east; went 
about again at 6:10 a. m. the wind shifting and light, and now 
headed north-north-east. At 6:40 the balloon maintopsail was 
shifted for a working topsail Absecom bearing north-west 
by west, six miles away. At 7:30 the small maintopmast stay- 
sail was set. At 8 a new ^Philadelphia schooner-yacht, bound 
south, was passed. At 8:55 the maintopmast staysail was hauled 
down and the yacht went about, setting the staysail again on the 
other tack. At 9:55, after tacking off shore, the yacht was put 
about on the starboard tack and stood inshore again, a brisk cool 
breeze blowiag. At 11:40, closing the land, the maintopmast stay- 
sail was hauled down and the yacht went about on the port tack. 
The balloon jib topsail was set. Little Egg Harbor bearing west, 
with a light breeze. At 11:50 the balloon maintopsail was set and 
the yacht went about at 1 p. m.. Heading north-north-east. 
The small maintopmaststaysail was now set. At 1:35 Barnegat 
Point was made, a point and a half on the weather bow, eight 
miles off, ship heading north by west. Barnegat was passed at 
3:25 p. M., and the balloon jib was set, wind freshening from 
the eastward. At 7 p. m., the wind hauling to the southward 
and eastward, the sheets were slackened off, the wind being very 



I20 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

light. At 7.50 p. M., the Highland Lights were sighted. At 
8:25 the maintopmast staysail was hauled down, and the balloon 
jib at 8:40, the small jib being set instead, and the wind dead 
aft. At 9 p. M. the foresail was boomed out, and Sandy Hook 
Light was sighted a little on the starboard bow, the wind very 
light. At 11 p. M. the mainboom was jibed. At 11:33 the Light- 
ship was spoken and asked to take the yacht's tinie. The ship 
then hauled to the wind on the port tack, and stood in for the 
Hook with a nice breeze. Sandy Ho'^k was passed at 12:20, and 
the yacht sailed up the bay for Staten Island where she arrived 
at 5:50 a. m., yesterday, and anchored off shore, as the wind 
failed. At 9 a. m., the yacht hove up again, went close in, and 
let go the anchor at 9:15 a. m. All well on board, and the cup 
won, as also a private cup wagered with the owner of the 
Dreadnaught. 

The World, New York, October 20, 1873. 

CONCERNING MUGS AND YACHTING. 

If Mr. Loubat, the owner of the Enchantress, had cliallenged 
Mr. Stockwell, the owner of the Dreadnaught, upon the heels of 
a race in which the Dreadnaught" was badly damaged and the 
Enchantress not at all damaged, to run another race which 
the Dreadnaught by racing-rules would be obliged to run or lose 
a cup, yet could not possibly be refitted and made ready for, the 
common-sense opinion would be that Mr. Loubat was more 
anxious to acquire a collection of silverware than to prove the 
quality of his yacht and uphoLl a manly sport. 

That opinion The World expressed, basing the same upon its 
reporter's statement, which was as follows : 

"Hardly had the Dreadnaught returned from her recent en- 
counter with the Enchantress in so crippled a condition as to 
render her quite unseaworthy when her owner finds himself 
challenged by Mr. Loubat, the owner of the Enchantress, to sail 
a race for this cup over the same course, starting to-day at 
12 M." 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race. 1 2 1 

Our reporter was grossly misled, we cannot pretend to say 
by whom, but if by any yachtsman, tlien that person is not a fit 
associate for the gentlemen of the New York Yacht Club. 

Mr. Stockwell did not return with the Dreadnaught disabled 
from the ocean regatta of the 9th, to "find himself challenged" 
by Mr. Loubat, the owner of the winning Enchantress. On the 
contrary he had been challenged on the 22d of September co a 
race on the 14th day of October, for the Cape May challenge 
cup. That cup was last year won by the Dreadnaught from the 
Palmer, and is held by the Dreadnaught on condition of racing 
any challenger during the racing season on a fifteen day's notice? 
or forfeit the cup. 

But Mr. Loubat's challenge gave twenty-one day's notice. 
The Dreadnaught need not have entered the ocean regatta on 
the 9th in which she is alleged to have been disabled. The 
Enchantress underwent the same rough weather with the same 
risk to her condition for the challenge-cnp race on the 14:th. 
The Dreadnaught was beaten 14 hours in the ocean regatta from 
New York Harbor to Cape May and back to Sandy Hook 
Lightship, but had still three nights and two full days to repair 
her alleged damages, to say nothing of providing beforehand for 
haste. 

It is obvious, therefore, that Mr. Loubat was perfectly right 
to refuse delay, right to sail the course, and riglit to claim the 
challenge cup as well as the private cup staked upon the same 
race; it is also obvious that an undue preference for silverware 
over good yachting cannot justly be imputed to him. 

Mr. Stockwell's position in the matter was thus represented 
— we hope misrepresented — to our reporter: 

"Mr. Stockwell desires that it may be announced that he 
will be ready if notified at once, to race the Enchantress for 
these two cups over any course known to the New York Yacht 
Club at any time after Friday next, though he should certainly 
decline to yield the private challenge cup if the race is insisted 
upon before that time, on the ground that the bet was a verbal 
one and not made 'play or pay.'" 



122 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

What distinction between a verbal and a written agreement a 
firentleman becomes able to perceive by being a member of the 
New York Yacht Club we cannot pretend to guess, nor why the 
private cup does not follow the challenge cup ; but perhaps a 
yacht-owner may have a nicer code than land-lubbers would 
imagine. 



The Sun, New York, October 21, 1873. 

Any person who labors under the impression that Mr. J. F. 
Loubat has taken an unfair advantage of Mr. A. B. Stockwell in 
compelling him to sail his yacht Dreadn lught against Mr. Lou- 
bat's Enchantress when the Dreadnaught could not be got into 
condition, has been the victim of a mistake. The challenge was 
given and accepted for a certain day long before the race took 
place. Meanwhile, Mr. Stockwell put the Dreadnaught into 
another race, taking the chances of her being disabled, but with- 
out obtaining from Mr. Loubat any conditional release from the 
meeting between them. Accordingly when the day for that 
match arrived Mr. Loubat sailed it, and of course won the cup 
which was at stake. This was all perfectly fair, and involved 
nothing ungenerous or improper on his part. 



Th Nlo York T bines, New York, October 21, 1873. 

Mr. J. F. Loubat, owner of the yacht Encliantress, has been 
very shamefully abused by some of the papers for challenging 
the Dreadnaught to race for the Commodore's challenge cup. 
We ventured to protest against these attacks last week, without 
fully knowing all the facts of the case. Now that we do know 
them, we are more strongly of opinion than before that Mr. 
Loubat has been very badly used. The challenge was not issued 
after the Dreadnaught was injured — supposing she ever was 
injured, wliich is doubtful — but dates back as far as September 
22. The Cup is held under certain very clear conditions, and 
Mr. Loubat could not foresee that the owner of the Dreadnaught 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 123 

would endeavor to evade those conditions on the plea that his 
yacht was not in sea going condition. If the attacks on Mr. 
Loubat have been prompted by Mr. Stockwell, we can only say 
that Mr. Stockwell has been guilty of conduct which reflects no 
credit on the Yacht Club. Indeed, the Yacht Club itself does 
not appear to have treated Mr. Loubat very generously, for the 
Secretary must have known that the challenge was not issued 
under the circumstances described in the papers which assailed 
him, and the true facts might easily have been placed before the 
public. Mr. Stockwell seems to have striven hard to keep the 
cup, when he knew that he could not keep it by fair means — 
that seems to be the long and short of the story. Mr. Lou bat's 
conduct has been perfectly fair and straightforward from first to 
last; and, as will be seen from the report of the Regatta Com- 
mittee in our news columns, the cup has been awarded, and 
very properly, to the plucky owner of the Enchantress. 



The W(yrld, New York, October 21, 1873. 

The Kegatta Committee of the Kew York Yacht Club pub- 
lish a decision such as we expected, awarding the Cape May 
challenge cup from the Dreadnaught to the Enchantress. 

Mr. Stockwell, in a letter which we also print, withdraws 
from the untenable position taken in his former statement to our 
reporter, and very properly leaving also the private cup for as- 
signation to the same committee, goes into winter quarters won- 
dering if any Enchantress can be truly enchanting, all whose 
cups have not been won in actual strife and electro plated with 
the fine gold of courtesy. 



THE CHALLENGE CUP. 



Keport of the Regatta Committee on the Challenge of the Dreadnaught by 
the Enchantress — the Enchantress awarded the cup. 

To Charles A. Minton, Esq. , Secretary New York Yacht Club : 

The Regatta Committee submit the following report in ref- 



124 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

erence t6 the challenge of the yacht Dreadnaught by the yacht 
Enchantress for the Cape May challenge cup won by the 
former on the 10th October, 1872. 

On the 22d September, 1873, Mr. Loabat, of the Enchan- 
ress, sent to the Secretary of the club a copy of a note of that 
date, which he had addressed to Mr. Stock well, of the yacht 
Dreadnaught, in which he challenged the latter for a race be- 
tween their respective yachts for the Cape May challenge cup 
held by the Dreadnaught. In the note he named Tuesday, the 
14:th October, as the day upon which the race should be sailed, 
but expressed his willingness to sail it on any other day to suit 
Mr. Stockwell, up to 1st November. 

On the 7th October Mr. Stockwell informed a member of 
the Regatta Committee that he had received the challenge, and 
would sail the race on the day named. 

The Regatta Committee appointed Mr. C. A. Minton a sub- 
committee to start the yachts, with power to associate other 
members of the Club wath himself to assist in the performance 
of the duties, and to act as judges on board the competing ves- 
sels and take the time of each. 

On the 14:th October Mr. Minton proceeded to Sandy Hook 
and found the Enchantress there prepared to start for the race. 
He appointed Mr. Frederic Tatns, a member of the Club, on 
board the Enchantress, to act as judge on board that vessel, and 
report the time of her rounding the Five Fathom Bank Light- 
ship, off Cape May, and of her arrival at the home stake-boat. 
The Dreadnaught did not make her appearance. At thirteen 
minutes past twelve the Enchantress sailed from the starting; 
point. By report of Mr. Tarns — a copy is submitted herewith- 
she rounded the Five Fathom Bank Lightship at thirty -five' 
minutes past one of the 15th, and at thirty-five minutes past 
eleven p. m. of the 15th she passed Sandy Hook Lightship. 

The rules which govern races for the cup, as presented by 
the donor, are as follows, viz. : 

First — The cup is to be held by the winner for thirty days . 
after the race without liability to challenge. 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race. 1 2 5 

Second — Upon the expiration of that period the winner must 
accept any challenge, and be prepared to sail a race over the 
same course within fifteen days from the receipt of such chal- 
lenge, or forfeit the cup to the challenger; but should any yacht 
succeed in holding the cup in two consecutive races during one 
season it will not again be liable to challenge until the com- 
mencement of the yachting season of the following year. The 
cup will become the bona-fide property of any yacht holding it 
successfully through three consecutive contests. 

Tkird — The yachting season in American waters in reference 
to this cup is understood to be from the third Thursday in June 
until the third Thursday in October in each year. 

The Kegatta Committee are of the opinion that the Enchan- 
tress is entitled to the cup, and so award it. 

The letter, above referred to, of Mr. Lou bat, conveymg the 
challenge, is submitted herewith, 

Fletcher Westrat, 

WlLLLIAM KrEBS, 

E. E. Chase, 
Mew ifoRK, Oct. 20, 1873. Eegatta Committee. 

53 Exchange Place, ISiew York, October 16, 1873. 

To the Regatta Committee of tJie New York Yacht Club. 

Dear Sirs : As Judge appointed on the Enchantress in her 
match with the Dreadnaught for the Cape May challenge cup, 
I beg to report that after having been started by Mr. Charles A. 
Minton at thirteen minutes past twelve p. m. on the fourteenth 
day of October, 1873, she sailed around the Lightship off Cape 
May, which she rounded at thirty-five minutes past one a. m. 
of the 15th October, keeping it to starboard, and returned to 
the Lightship off Sandy Hook, which she passed to starboard, at 
thirty-five minutes past eleven p. m. of the 15th October, having 
complied with the regulations governing the contests for said 
cup. I remain, yours respectfully, 

(Signed) j. Frederic Tams. 



126 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book; 

Union Club, ISTew York, September 22, 1873. 
Captain Stockwell, Yacht Dreadnaught, New York Yacht Club. 

Dear Sir : I hereby challenge your yacht Dreadnaught to 
to sail my yacht Enchantress on Tuesday, the 14th of October 
next, at twelve m., for the Cape May challenge cup, presented 
by Commodore J. G. Bennett to the New York Yacht Club, 
Course from Sandy Hook Lightship to Five Fathom Lightship 
(Cape May) and return. 

Should you desire an extension of time please name any day 
to suit your own convenience up to the 1st of November next, 
although according to the tenure by which you hold said chal- 
lenge cup, you are obliged to race any challenger during the 
racing season, that is, from the third Thursday in June to the 
third Thursday in October in each year, on a fifteen day's notice, 
or forfeit the cup to the challenger. 

^ I shall, therefore, hold you to such race, and if you do not ac- 
cept this challenge I shall go over the course on Tuesday, the 
14th of October next, starting from Sandy Hook Lightship at 
twelve M., and claim said challenge cup, as I recognize no right 
in a holder of a challenge cup to refuse a challenge on any plea 
whatsoever. 

As to the ocean race from Sandy Hook Lightship to Cowes 
(Isle of Wight), of which you spoke yesterday, I can but repeat 
that I am not willing to stake such a large sum as $25,000 on a 
race, but that, should it be agreeable to you or any member of 
any organized yacht club in the United States to challenge my 
yacht Enchantress for a race across the Atlantic — entrance 
$5,000 or less, play or pay — to be sailed from Sandy Hook 
Lightship at twelve m., on any day which may suit your or their 
convenience from the 8th till the 16th of November next, I will 
be most happy to accept any such challenge or challenges. 

I should require notice thereof, however, before the 1st day of 
October next. 

I send copy of this letter to Mr. Charles A. Minton, Secretary 
of New York Yacht Club, to be placed by him on file, and 
and remain yours truly. J. F. Loubat. 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, i 2 7 



LETTER FROM MR. STOCKWELL. 



lo the Editor of the World. 

Sir : Observing a statement in your columns this morning, 
purporting to come from me, 1 now enclose a copy of a letter 
addressed by me to the Regatta Committee of the New York 
Yacht Club ; and I beg further to say that, my boat being laid 
up for the winter months, I have no intention of issuing or ac- 
cepting any challenge whatever. 

Yours, very respectfully, 

A. B. Stockwell. 

To the Regatta Committee of the New York Yacht Club, 

Gentlemec^ : In calling your attention to a letter I have al- 
ready addressed to you on the subject of the challenge cup 
claimed by the owner of the yacht Enchantress, I now hand 
you herewith ray check for $1,000, being the amount of my 
private bet with that gentleman, and 1 rely on your courtesy to 
decide the question, if any, of the private bet, as well as of the 
challenge cup. 

I desire here to reiterate that the only doubt in my mind is 
whether a challenge cup, which seems to me held by a peculiar 
tenure and subject to be won only by a bona-fide race between 
the yachts, can be acquired by a walk-over without contest. 
Should you decide that it can 1 shall most cheerfully acquiesce 
in your decision, which will then establish a technical claim on 
the part of the owner of the yacht Enchantress, but will not re- 
move my feeling that common courtesy between yachtsmen 
should have induced him to accord me time to refit my vessel 
and thus enhance his possession of the cup, which now can have 
no real value in his hands, as it represents no victory. 

Yours, very respectfully, 

Alden B. Stockwell. 



128 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

The E'Dening Mail, New York, October 21, 1873. 
MK. LOUBAT'S CHALLENGE, 

The decision of the New York Yacht Cbib in regard to the 
challenge of the Dreadnaught by the Enchantress, which we 
publish elsewhere, relieves Mr. Loubat, the owner of the latter, 
from unjust imputations that were more or less extensively made 
upon his conduct as a yachtsman. The Worlds which criticised 
Mr. Loubat pretty severely, as we did, has gracefully retracted 
its charges against that gentleman, as we do. There are very 
few newspapers that can be conceded to be infallible or omnis- 
(jient, and we have no ambition to be counted among the fortun- 
ately limited number of journals which never correct, or seek to 
atone for, their own mistakes. 

The fact that Mr. Loubat's challenge was sent upon the 22d 
of September materially changes the situation, as it was stated 
to us by gentlemen who ought to be well informed. He is 
naturally sensitive to the criticisms made from this mistaken 
report of the facts — as any honorable gentleman would be — and 
we are glad to rectify, so far as we can, the false impression 
produced by what we said without a full knowledge of the case. 
Mr. Loubat has acted honorably, and the better public opinion, 
for which he should most care, will do him full justice. 



The New York Herald, New York, Octoher 24, 1873. 
NEW YORK YACHT CLUB. 

Important Meeting — the Question Regarding the Cape May Challenge 
Cup Amicably Settled — New Signals adopted. 

The New York Yacht Club held a regular meeting last even- 
ing, at its rooms in Twenty-seventh street, Yice Commodore 
William P. Douglas in the chair. 

The following gentlemen were proposed and accepted as 
members: — John A. Barnham, Jr., Greorge W. M. Sturgis and 
A. Lumley. 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 129 

The report on the classification of yachts was then laid over. 

Mr. Talboys moved that the reports of the Committee on 
summer races at Newport and elsewhere, be accepted without 
reading and ordered on file, and that the thynks of the club be 
tendered to the committee. Passed. 

Some changes were then proposed in the by-laws providing 
for the election of a permanent yearly Regatta Committee, instead 
of the temporary Regatta Committee only empowered to act dur- 
ing the June regatta. Mr. Minton explained what was to be 
gained by the change, and the amendment to the by-laws was 
passed. 

THE CAPE MAY CHALLENGE CUP. 

The following letter was read : — 

Union Club, New York, Oct. 22, 1873. 

William P. Douglas, Esq., Yice-Comrnodore and Acting Com- 
modore of the New York Yacht Club : — 

Sir — I cannot but express to you my regret that the New 
York Yacht Club should hitherto have shown such indifference 
to the unworthy attacks made upon me — one of its captains. 

I now most respectfully beg to say that if it should take no 
steps to ascertain how my letter of the 12th inst. to Captain 
Stockwell should have found its way into the columns of the New 
York World of the 14th inst., and given rise to various unfounded 
charges in that and other papers, which have since been so hand- 
somely retracted by their editors, it will then be a grave ques- 
tion with me what should be my future conduct in the matter. 

The Regatta Committee, as you are aware, have but justly 
awarded me the Cape May challenge cup, but pending the 
club's action, I place it in your hands as I will not inscribe 
on it the name of the Enchantress without the fullest endorse- 
ment of the New York Yacht Club, to which I have the honor 
to belong, I remain, etc., 

J. F. LOUBAT, 

Captain of the Yacht Enchantress^ N. Y, Y. C. 



J 30 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

THE DECISION OF THE REGATTA COMMITTEE SUSTAINED. 

A lengthy discussion then followed as to what course should 
be taken regarding this letter. Almost all the members spoke 
upon the question, and three resolutions were offered, two of 
them being somewhat too personal to be carried. The discussion 
was at one moment quite excited. At length the following reso- 
lution was proposed by Mr. G. G. Haven : — 

Kesolved, That the action of the Regatta Committee is fully 
endorsed and approved by the club, but that in the absence of 
any specific charge against any member of the club they do not 
feel empowered to investigate the authorship of any newspaper 
article, while they consider Mr. Loubat fully justified in accept- 
ing and retaining the cup as honorably and fairly won. 

The resolution was unanimously carried. 

The action of the Kegatta Committee was to award the cup 
to Mr. Loubat as spoken of in his letter. It was also stated that 
the private bet of $1,000 had been sent by Mr. Stockwell to the 
Kegatta Committee to liand to Mr. Loubat. 

On vote the Club adopted Caston's night signals, Messrs. 
Stuyvesant, Bend and Colgate being appointed a committee to 
revise the code of signals. 

A WINTER RENDEZVOUS IN GEORGIA. 

A proposition was received from a Mr. Arkwright, of Sa- 
vannah, Ga., giving the club a tract of land at a watering place 
near that city for the purpose of making it a winter rendezvous. 
The proposition was accepted and the thanks of the club ten- 
dered to Mr. Arkwright. 

AN UNACCEPTED RESIGNATION. 

The following letter was read from the Yice Commodore: — 
C. A. Minton, Esq.: — 

Dear Sir: — I beg, through you, to tender my resignation of 
the office of Yice-Commodore of the I^. Y. Y. C. While natur- 
ally reluctant to resign so honorable a position, I feel it my duty 
to do so, inasmuch as I am persuaded that the flag officers 
of the club should always be active members. For two years 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 131 

back the Sappho has not been in these waters, and it is very un- 
certain if I shall put her in commission next summer. While 
placing my resignation in your hands I desire to thank the yacht 
owners for the honor which they conferred on me in electing 
me as their Yice Commodore, and to assure them that, although 
relieved from office, my interest in the welfare of the club shall 
never flag. ■ W. P. Douglas. 

Oct. 23, 1873. 

It was moved that Mr. Douglas be requested to reconsider his 
action and to withdraw his letter. Mr. Douglas did so, after 
some hesitation, and shortly after tendered to the club the 
die for the new medal, which was struck some time since in com- 
memoration of the victory of the America in winning the Queen's 
Cup. The gift was accepted with thanks. 

The meeting then adjourned. 



The New York Times, New York, October 24, 1873. 
THE NEW YOEK YACHT CLUB. 

A regular meeting of the E'ew York Yacht Club was 
held last night at the club-house, Madison Avenue and Twenty- 
seventh street, Yice-Commodore William P. Douglass in the 
chair. After the ordinary routine business had been transacted 
and a number of new members had been admitted, the following 
letter from Mr. Loubat was read: {See page 129.) 

The reading of the letter was followed by an excited 
discussion, in which various theories respecting the publication 
of Mr. Loubat's letter were rehearsed. While some of the 
members were in favor of investigating the matter and appoint- 
ing a committee for that purpose, the majority felt that Mr. 
Loubat should rest satisfied with the retractions which, accord- 
ing to his letter, had been made in the newspapers. One 
member indignantly repudiated the suggestion that the members 
of the club should act like a body of detectives and try to find 
out who supplied certain information to the newspapers — a 



132 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

course entirely beneath the dignity of gentlemen and true yachts- 
men. 

Mr. Talboys said that he had conversed with Mr. Stockwell 
on the subject, and that gentleman denied that he had ever sup- 
plied any information to any newspaper, and declared that he 
had been in no way concerned in the publication of the letter in 
question. 

Mr. Krebs presented the following : 

Whereas^ Mr. Stockwell having disclaimed any agency in 
procuring the publication in the World of the letter to which 
Mr. Loubat refers, or in the publication of any of the newspaper 
articles of which Mr. Loubat complains, 

Resolved^ The opinion of the meeting is that there is no rea- 
son why Mr. Loubat should hesitate to accept the cup, and 
inscribe upon it the name of his yacht. 

Mr. Talboys said that he hoped the resolution would not 
pass. It was not right that a document which was to be placed 
amono^ the archives of the New York Yacht Club should con- 
tain the name of Mr. Stockwell in connection with the charges 
alluded to. Mr. Stockwell was not present to speak for himself, 
and he thought it was an injustice to him to pass such a resolu- 
tion. 

The resolution was lost. 

Mr. Bend proposed the following : 

Resolved^ That the Secretary notify Mr. Loubat that the 
club approves the action of the Kegatta Committee in awarding 
to the Enchantress the Cape May challenge cup, but that the 
club does not consider it within its province to notice the publi- 
cation of the letter of Mr. Stockwell. 

A vote was called for, and the resolution declared lost. 
After some further animated discussion the following resolution, 
proposed by G. G. Haven, was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved^ That the action of the Regatta Committee is fully 
endorsed and approved by the club, but in the absence of any 
specific charge against any member of the club, they do not feel 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 133 

empowered to investigate the authorship of any newspaper arti- 
cle, while they consider Mr. Loubat fully justified in accepting 
and retaining the cup as honorably and fairly won 

This ended the discussion of the Loubat-Stockwell dispute, 
and the meeting proceeded to transact other business. 

A plot of ground in Savannah, offered to the club gratuit- 
ously as a winter rendezvous by Mr. Arkwright, was accepted, 
and a committee appointed to draw up resolutions expressing to 
Mr. Arkwright the thanks of the club. 

It was resolved that Coston's night signals be adopted as the 
signals of the club, and that a committee, consisting of Messrs. 
Stuyvesant, Bend and Colgate be appointed to revise the present 
book of signals. A Mr. Wolfe, of Southampton, England, was, 
at his own request, appointed flag-maker to the club. 

A letter from Yice-Commodore Douglass, tendering his 
resignation, on the ground that his yacht, the Sappho, had not 
been in these waters for two years, and that he considered all 
officers of the club should be active members, was read. At 
the earnest request of the members, Mr. Douglas consented to 
withdraw his resignation. A magnificent gold die and medal 
of the club was presented by Yice-Commodore Douglas, and 
thankfully accepted. The meeting then adjourned. 



The World, New York, October 24, 1873. 

NEW YORK YACHT CLUB MATTERS. 

A Letter from Mr. Loubat— The Difficulty Arranged — A Resignation Made 

and Withdrawn. 

A regular meeting of the Kew York Yacht Club was held 
last night at its rooms corner Madison Avenue and Twenty- 
seventh Street. Yice-Commodore William P. Douglas presided, 
and considerable routine business of a private nature was trans- 
acted. Charles A. Minton, the Secretary of the Club, read the 
following communication from J. F. Loubat, who had recently 



134 ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

been awarded the challenge cup by the Regatta Committee 
and whose action in the matter of the challenge to the Dread- 
naught in her then disabled condition was the subject of com- 
ment in yachting circles. {See page l2i9,) 

The reading of this communication gave rise to considerable 
disc-ussion, which brought out the statement that as soon as the 
Committee had decided the race in favor of the Enchantress 
Captain Stockwell forwarded to the Committee the cap with the 
private prize of $1,000 previously arranged. Mr. Talboys said 
that Captain Stockwell had disclaimed to him all knowledge of 
how the letter had reached the newspaper in question, and the 
following compromise resolution was offered by G. G. Haven- 
and it was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved^ That the action of the Regatta Committee is fully 
indorsed and approved by the Club, but that in the absence of 
any specific charge against any member of the Club they do not 
feel empowered to investigate the authorship of any newspaper 
article, while they consider Mr. Loubat fully justified in accept- 
ing and retaining the cup as honorably and fairly won. 

A motion was then made that the Club acknowledge the 
communication of Mr. Arkwright, of Savannah, Ga., who offered 
to give all the property in Savannah harbor that was required 
for a winter rendezvous. A vote of thanks was accorded him, 
and Messrs. Wright, Bend and Johnson were appointed a coni- 
mittee to consider the expediency of accepting the offer. 'Mr. 
Bend moved that a committee be appointed to revise the code of 
signals of the Club and report at the next meeting. It was 
adopted, and Messrs. Bend, Stuyvesant and Colgate were ap- 
pointed such committee. 

The Secratary then read the following letter of resignation 
from Yice-Commodore Douglas, of the yacht Sappho: {See 
pages 130, 131.) 

Rear Commodore Kingsland rose, and sincerely hoped thai 
the resignation would be withdrawn. After passing a few fitting 
words on the action of Commodore Douglas, he moved that the 
Olub request Mr. Douglas to withdraw it. The motion was 



The Cape May Challenge Cup Race, 135 

adopted with cheers, and Commodore Douglas then gracefully 
withdrew his resignation, thanking the members for their flatter- 
ing action. The Club then adjoarned. 



CHAPTER VI. 



MR. LOUBAT'S GIFT TO THE PILOTS. 



The New York Herald, New York, October 26, 1873. 

YACHTING. 

Generous Donations by Mr. J. F. Loubat, of the Enchantress, to the Pilot's 

Benevolent Funds of this Port. 

Mr. J. F. Loubat, of the yacht Enchantress, in view of Mr. 
Stockwell sending him his check for $1,000, as a winner. of a 
private bet between the Enchantress and Dreadnaught, in the 
Cape May challenge cup contest, has made a charitable disposi- 
tion of the amount, and more, he has added his own check for a 
like sum, the whole to be credited to two of the pilots' benevo- 
lent associations of this port. The following report from official 
source tells the story: — 

Mr. A. B. Stockwell, of the yacht Dreadnaught, a few days 
ago sent to the E-egatta Committee of the New York Yacht Club 
his check for $1,000, with authority to hand the same to Mr. J. 
F. Loubat, of the yacht Enchantress, in payment of the private 
bet between the two gentlemen upon the result of the recent 
challenge for the Cape May challenge cup. The committee 
sent the check to Mr. Loubat and received from him the follow- 
ing communication: — 



Mr, Loubafs Gift to the Pilots. 137 

Union Cldb, New York, Oct. 25, 1873. 
Fletcher Westray, Esq., Chairman N. Y. Y. C. Regatta Com- 
mittee.'. — 
Sir. — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your official com- 
munication of the 23d inst., with check of Mr. A. B. Stockwell 
for $1,000, our bet upon the race you decided won by the En- 
chantress. Enclosed please find that check endorsed by me to 
the order of the Regatta Committee of the N. Y. Y. C, as well 
as my own for the same amount. I beg the Regatta Committee 
to hand one to the Treasurer of the Sandy Hook Pilots' Charity 
Fund (care of J. W. Avery, No. 309 Water Street), and the other 
to the Treasurer of the New York and New Jersey Pilots' Be- 
nevolent Society, corner of South and Fulton Streets. 
I remain, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

J. F. LOUBAT, 

Captain Yacht Enchantress N. Y Y. C. 



The New Ym-k Herald, New York, October 29, 1873. 
THE PILOTS' BENEVOLENT FUND. 

Acknowledging the Receipt of Mr. J. F. Loubat's Generous Donations — 

Letters of Thanks. 

The annexed letters, acknowledging the receipt of the gen- 
erous donations recently made by Mr. J. F. Loubat, of the yacht 
Enchantress, to the benevolent funds of the pilot organizations 
of this city, tell their own story : — 

New Yokk, Oct. 27, 1873. 
Captain J. F. Locbat, Yacht Enchantress, N. Y. Y. C. 

Dear Sir — We have this day received from the N. Y. Y. C. 
Regatta Committee your check for the sum of $1,000, as a 
donation to the New York and Sandy Hook Pilots' Charitable 
Fund, and beg leave to submit the following extract from the 
minutes of the Board of Trustees of said organization : — 

At a meeting of the trustees of the New York and Sandy 



13^ A Yachtsmaii s Sci'ap Book. 

Hook Pilots' Charitable Fund, held this day, at their rooms, 
JSTo. 309 Water street, it was unanimously resolved that the 
thanks of this association be tendered to Captain J. F. Loubat, 
of the yacht Enchantress, E". Y. Y. C, for his generous donation 
to our fund. 

And we, as officers of said fund, beg leave to convey to you 
our heartfelt acknowledgment for your liberal gift, coming, as 
it does, when we greatly need it, and can assure you that it will 
be a source of much gratification to the numerous pensioners on 
our fund. 

With our best wishes for your future welfare, we remain, 
yours, very respectfully, , 



,B[. Harbinson, President. 



Walter Brewer, Secretary. 



JS"ew York, Oct. 28, 1873 



To the Editor of the Herald : — 

The members of the ISTew York and ITew Jersey Pilots' 
Benevolent Association gratefully acknowledge the receipt of 
$1,000, generously donated by Captain Loubat, of the yacht 
Enchantress, N. Y. Y. C, the first intimation of which we 
received through the columns of the Herald. 

Henry Devere, Secretary. 



Eew York, N'ov. 11, 1873. 
Captain J. F. Loubat, Yacht Enchantress^ N. Y. Y. Q. 

Dear Sir — Continued absence from the city and a misunder- 
standing on the part of my associates, will, I trust, be accepted 
by you as sufficient apology for not acknowledging earlier your 
generous donation of one thousand dollars to the IN^ew York and 
New Jersey Pilots' Benevolent Association. 

I am instructed by the trustees to convey to you the sincere 
thanks of the Association for your liberal gift at this opportune 
time, having recently lost one of our members, and a large por- 
tion of your present goes to his orphan child for it's maintenance 



Mr, Loubafs Gift to the Pilots 139 

Trusting that your sea voyage will be pleasant and that you 
will safely return with renewed vigor, and that the Enchantress 
will sustain her well-earned reputation. 

I remain, yours very respectfully, 

(Signed) Heistry Devere, Secretary. 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE ENCHANTKESS GOES TO COWES. 



New York, October 29, 1873. 

Captain J. F. Louhat, Yacht Enchantress, I^. Y. Y. C, 

Dear Sir : 
I am requested by the pilots of the port to say that they will, 
with great pleasure, furnish your vessel on her voyage to sea 
with a pilot, free of charge. 

Please send me word when she will be ready for sea. 
Yery respectfully yours, 
JoHJsr W. Avery, 

309 Water Street, N. Y. 



Th£ New York Times, New Yoi% November 27, 1873. 
STATEN ISLAND. 

Mr. Loubat's yacht Enchantress has been at anchor off Staple- 
ton for the last three weeks. She is undergoing a thorough 
overhauling in rigging and spars, and will have a new suit of 
sails, preparatory to making her European trip. She is expec- 
ted to sail early in the present month. 



The New York Herald, New York^ November 9, 1873. 

YACHTING. 
THE ENCHANTRESS TO CROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

The schooner yacht Enchantress, Kew York Yacht Club, 



The Enchantress goes to Cawes, 141 

will leave her anchorage off Stapleton, Staten Island, this morn- 
ing, about eleven oclock, for a trip across the Atlantic. She 
will proceed to Cowes, where Mr. Loubat will join her as soon 
as his business in New York will give him an opportunity. A 
tugboat with the owner and a few friends, will accompany the 
yacht outside the Sandy Hook Lightship, when adieus will be 
spoken and wishes for a safe and pleasant voyage heartily ex- 
tended to all on board. She is in excellent trim for such a trip, 
and no doubt will arrive out in good season. Captain Fairchild 
is in command. 



The Spirit of the Times, New York, December 27, 1873. 

The schooner yacht Enchantress arrived at Cowes on Dec. 1 
from New York. She left here on the 9th ult., and thus made 
the passage in twenty-two days. The Enchantress experienced 
variable weather, westerly winds however prevailing. The dingy 
is reported to have been stove in the davits, a contin- 
gency the reverse of unlikely to happen to a boat carried thus 
at sea. The Enchantress will ship an English crew, and fit out 
at once for the Mediterranean. 



The Field, London, February 23, 1874. 
AMERICAN YACHTS. 

Mr. Fish, the yacht designer, of New York, arrived at Cowes 
in the steamship Hermann this week, having been requested by 
Mr. Loubat, the owner of the American yacht Enchantress, now 
lying in tlie Medina, to come to England, and carry out what- 
ever improvements he thought necessary in order to bring her 
out as a racer this season. Mr. Fish is well known for the suc- 
cess with which he altered the Sappho, and made her one of the 
fastest yachts ever sailed. We understand that immediate steps 
will be taken to put the Enchantress in racing trim. Mr. Fish 
brought over with him in the Hermann a new suit of cotton- 
racing sails for her. 



142 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

Bells Ufein London, London, May 2, 1874. 

Whether the American schooner Enchantress, now being 
lengthened at Cowes, will join in the open matches, will only be 
decided after a trial. She is being drawn out some 10ft. aft, and 
is to have a lead keel and bustlings over garboards, after the 
English fashion. Should these alterations be successfully 
carried out, we anticipate another revolution in the yachting 
world, as there is little doubt that she is capable of being made 
faster than the Sappho, and consequently able to tackle any 
English schooner. Her builder, Mr. R. Fish, is superintending 
alterations and Mr. J. White is carrying out the work. The 
yacht is in the Medina Docks, at Cowes, and is well worthy 
a visit. 



BelVs Life in London, London, May 30, 1874. 
THE SCHOONEK YACHT ENCHANTRESS. 

The following letter appears in the Field : — 
Sib. — Perhaps one of the most interesting experiments we 
have ever witnessed in yacht construction is now being made in 
Mr. John White's graving dock, by Mr. Fish, an American 
yacht designer. Mr. Fish is, I understand, a self-made man, 
and he appears to be wonderfully alive to picking up and utilis- 
ing ideas, from whatever source they may come, providing they 
are good for anything. For many years he informs me he has 
been thinking out and experimentalising on the proper form of 
a midship section for a clipper yacht. Of course it is well-known 
that on this section depends the whole of the ultimate form of 
a vessel, and whether she will carry sail, and as Marrett says, 
'^ rolling, direct resistance, lateral resistance, and stability are 
affected by the form of the midship section ; " but prior to this 
question the form or shape which would offer least resistance 
and most stability in passing through the water had to be con- 
sidered. This, after a series of experiments, Mr. Fish decided 
to be that of a cone, pointed each end, similar to the cigar ships 



The Enchantress goes to Cowes. 1 43 

which the Messrs. Winan have made us southerners familiar 
with. The first experiment with the cone was a decided suc- 
cess, so much so that he at once adopted that principle, and iully 
carried it out with a deep hollow bottom (in fact, reversing 
the cone below water instead of putting on a deep keel) in 
building the Enchantress, the principle making the vessel much 
stronger and enabling her to carry her weights much lower than 
would have been the case with a deep keel only. To carry it 
down in the Y shape was to compel the carrying a large quantity 
* of ballast to overcome the resistance of her sails, and to keep 
down the tendency which her bilge would have to float whenever 
the vessel heeled over. 

All this Mr. Fish took into consideration, and the result is 
the Enchantress, which he built in New York, 1871, for Mr. 
George Lorillard for a cruising and sea- going yacht, which she 
has thoroughly proved herself to be, having crossed the Atlan- 
tic five times at all seasons of the year and cl-uised in the 
Mediterranean for two seasons, carrying all the while her im- 
mense spars ; and now that she is in dock I do not notice the 
least sign of weakness or wrinkling of her copper in any part, 
which proves her to be well put together, also showing that her 
form is peculiarly easy in a sea way in rough weather. To give 
any person an idea of her construction without lines is a difficult 
matter ; but, to commence with, she is unlike any yacht which 
our builders have ever sent out, her midship section being a true 
ogee. From there she begins to taper off to each end, so that 
her entrance and her leaving the water appear to be perfection, 
and, with very little ballast, her sail-carrying power will be 
enormous, as directly she begins to heel over, her bilge, instead 
of pushing up from below, and so heeling her still more, will be 
pushed down by the weight of water in the hollow, and will con- 
sequently render her more stable. The alterations now being 
made in her at Mr. John White's establishment are, first, that of 
lengthening by the stern thirteen feet, as Mr. Fish thought she 
was far too abruptly finished there to carry out his idea in per- 
fection, which, by the alteration now being made in her, appears 



144 



A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 



to be exactly what was required. Since she has been in the dock 
a number of scientific gentlemen have visited her, and the criti- 
cisms appear to be generally very favorable. Her principal 
dimensions we may quote as under : 



Feet. 
Length between perpendicu- 
lars 128 

Ditto over all 144 

Ditto on load water-line 120 

Beam extreme 24 

Ditto on load line , . 24 

Depth of hold 11 

Displacement, Enp^lish meas. 
350 tons. 

Spaes. 

Length of mainmast 91 

Ditto deck to hounds 69 



Feet. 

Ditto masthead 11 

Length maintopmast 52 

Ditto of foremast 85 

Ditto deck to hounds 64 

Ditto masthead 10 

Ditto foretopmast 48 

Ditto main gaff. 50 

Ditto main boom. 82 

Ditto fore gaff 26 

Ditto main topsail yard 44 

Ditto topsail yard 35 



At the present moment she is in a very forward state, con- 
sidering the short time she has been in hand, and the amount 
of work required to be done in lengthening a yacht of this 
description, as she had to be opened so far back to avoid any- 
thing like a too sudden alteration in her contour. Below, her 
accommodations for the crew are materially improved ; the fit- 
tings for the men, which were put up in America, have been 
knocked away, and, without entrenching any more on the ac- 
commodations aft, quite double the room has been made for the 
crew, which is a great desideratum. Aft the fittings will not be 
touched, except to be redecorated. We believe that Mr. Loubat, 
who now owns her, intends sailing as many matches as he can 
with her this season ; and there is no reason to doubt but that 
she will prove herself to be very fast. The uniform success 
which has always attended the efforts of Mr. Fish in building or 
altering yachts give confidence that the Enchantress will be an- 
other success. 

We should very much like to see our American friends do 
something now in the cutter line. Cutters are essentially Eng- 
lish yachts ; schooners we have had very fast, very weatherly, 
and possessed of all the qualities of good yachts, but the Ameri- 
cans always beat us in schooners, without any of our schooners 



The Enchantress goes to Cowes, 145 

can go in and beat the Enchantress, which is a question unsolved 
at the present time ; but cutters have never yet been built by any 
nation to equal our forty, sixty, and one hundred tonners, and 
here is another field open for our American brethren, who, we 
prophesy, will not be long before they commission Mr. Fish to 
try his skill in that way. The Enchantress will be commanded 
by Captain Poland, who was with Sir Edward Sullivan some 
years, and last year in the Shamrock. Yectis. 



The Field, London, July 4, 1874. 
The Enchantress, Mr. Loubat, is now between the piers at 
the entrance to Mr. John White's graving dock, and will be 
ready for sea next week. We have now four American schooners 
at Cowes — the Enchantress, the Sappho (now lying in the har- 
bor, Mr. Douglas, her owner, not seeming to wish to fit out this 
season), the Faustine (now in the roadstead), and the Yiking 
(having a refit at the present moment, all of which, excepting 
the Sappho) may be expected to take part in any races they can 
enter for. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



AN INTEENATIONAL YACHT RACE, 



SOCIETE DES REGATES DU HAVRE. 



SATURDAY, 25tH JULY, AT 7 A. M., PRECISELY. 

MATCH FOB YACHTS OP ALL NATIONS OF 10 TONS AND UPWARDS 
FROM HAVRE ROADS TO SEA AND BACK. 

Length of Course about fifty miles, time allowance Fifteen 
seconds per ton. 

1^^ Prize — A work of art (Grand Prize of the City of Havre), 
value F 2,500. 

2nd Prize — A work of art value F 1,000 and a Marine Glass. 

Srd Prize (to the first French yacht) — A work of art and a 
telescope, value F 1,000. 

N. B. The yawls and schooners shall be allowed to enter as 
follows, viz: Yawls at f and schooners at f their tonnage meas- 
ured according to the rule of the Societe des Regates du Havre. 



EXTRACT OF INSTRUCTIONS AND REGULATIONS. 

First. The races will be run according to the sailing regu- 
lations of the Societe des Regales du Havre, the decision of the 
Committee shall in all cases be final. 



An International Yacht Race, 147 

The Sailing Committee reserve to themselves the right of al- 
tering any of the arrangements or regulations that they may 
deem needful ; copies of regulations and instructions may be ob- 
tained at the time of entry, by application to the Hon. Secre- 
tary of the society. 

Second. Time shall be allowed for difference of tonnage, ac- 
cording to the scale of the Society. 

Third. Three boats to start or no race, the third prize will 
not be given unless three French yachts sail the course. 

Fourth. Yachts to anchor in a line as directed by the sailing 
Committee. 

Fifth. To weigh anchor and start by the following signals, 
which must be strictly complied with — viz: A gun wiM be fired 
as a signal to prepare ; after an interval of one minute a second 
gun will be fired as the signal to weigh anchor and start. 

Sixth. Vessels may set their mainsails, but neither foresails, 
headsails nor topsails until after the signal to start. 

Seventh. No restriction as to canvas. 

Eighth. Yachts may anchor during the races, but before 
starting again, must weigh their anchors. 

Ninth. The vessels must leave all mark boats including the 
winning markboat on the starboard side. 

These boats will have a red fiag flying at the masthead 
by day, and by night there will be three red lamps hung in a 
triangle. 

If dark, the yachts are to fire rockets, and must past 
close to the markboat to report their names. 

Tenth. Yachts sailing in matches shall carry their racing 
colors at the main masthead. 

Eleventh. The Owner, Captain or Master of every yacht en- 
tered or some duly authorized person, shall attend at the Hotel- 
de-Yille on the day preceding the race (exclusive of Sunday) at 
9 p. M. for the purpose of receiving instructions and a chart, 
relative to the course to be sailed. 

Iwelfth. Entrance fee, not returnable, F 1 per ton. Min- 
imum F 25. Maximum F 75. 



148 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

NOTICE. 

Application for entrance may be previously made by letter to 
the Hon. Secretary, L. Mandrot, Esq., 31, quai d' Orleans, Havre. 

Entries to close for Monday's race 20th July, on Saturday 
18th July at noon. 

Post entries at double fees not returnable up to 9 p. m. on 
the day preceding the race. 

Entries to close, for Saturday's race 25th July, on Thursday 
23d July at 9 p. m. 

Post entries at double fees, not returnable, up to 9 p. m. on 
the preceding race. 

The Regatta ball will take place at Frascatis on 18th of July 
at 10 p. M. 

The other annual regattas sailing and rowing matches, will be 
held on the 19th and 20th July at 1 p. m. 

The prizes will be distributed in the grand salon at Frascatis 
on Monday 20th of July at 9 p. m. 

By order of the Committee. 

Havre March 15th 1874. 

L. Mandrot, Ed. Winslow, 

Hon, Secfretary, President. 



1874 — ViLiiE Du Havee. — 36eme Annee 
SOCIETE DES REGATES DU HAVRE. 
SAMEDI 25 JUILLET 1874, A SEPT HEURES DU MATIN. 



OouESE Pour Bateaux De Plaisance De Toutes Nations. 

De la rade du Havre au large et retour. Au Chronometre 
avec compensation de temps de 15 secondes par tonneau. 
Parcours : environ 50 miles marins. 

ler Prix. Un Objet D'art, Grand Prix de la Yille du Havre, 
Yaleur F 2,500. 2me. Prix. Offert par la Societe des Regates 
du Havre. Yaleur F 1.000 



An International Yacht Race, 149 

Et uue Jumelle offerte par le Ministre de la Marine. 
Prix au premier Bateau de Plaisance Francais, Offert par la 
Societe des Regates dii Havre, Yaleur F 1,000. 

Et une Longue— vue offerte par le Ministre de la Marine. 

Avioins de trois Concurrents Francais, ce Prix ne sera pas delivre. 

INSCKIPTIONS : 

1 Cetouia Lion blanc sur fond bleu goelette Anglaise, 

Wm. Turner, 14 Tons. 

2 Oorinne . . . Rouge et damier bleu et blanc horizontal, au centre 

goelette anglaise, N. Wood, 122 Tons. 

3 Faustine Rouge avec raies blanches diagonales 

goelette americaine, G. Peabody Russell, 74 Tons. 

4 Hirondelle Hirondelle verte sur fond jaune 

cotre dandy anglais, W. C. Quilter, 60 Tons. 

5 Comte-de-Chambord . . .Blanc avec carre bleu. . .cotre Francais, 

Oardon, 22 Tons. 

6 Scapin Bleu et blanc horizontal cotre Francais, Baque, 

241 Tons. 

7 Mesange Damier bleu et blanc cotre Francais, Le Roy 

d'EtioUes, 36J Tons. 

8 Panthere . . . Damier jaune et bleu . . . cotre Francais, Orandalle, 

lOj Tons. 

9 Florinda Damier Rouge et noir cotre dandy Anglais, 

Wm. Jessop, 102^ Tons. 

10 Egeria. ..Orange et bleu. . .goelette anglaise, John MulhoUand 

11 Enchantress . Bleu, blanc, bleu horizontal. goelette Americaine, 

J. F. Loubat, 200 Tons. 

12 Gertrude Jaune clair et bleu en diagorale cotre dandy 

Anglais, J. G. Watt, 48i Tons. 

13 Verveine Rouge avec une boule blanche. . . .cotre Francais, 

Legru, 17 Tons. 

14 Gertrude . . Rouge avec une boule blanche . cotre dandy Anglais, 

Langtry, 60| Tons. 

Le Secretaire du Gomite d' Administration, 

L. Mandrot, 

Le President du Gomite d' Administration, 

E. WiNSLOW, 
Le President d^honnewr^ 

E. Bigot de la Kobillardire, 
Maire du Havre, Glievalier de l(i Legion-d' Eonneur , 



1 5o A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

BelVs Life, London, August 1, 1874. 
SOCIETE DES EEGATES DU HAVKE. 

It was unfortunftte for Havre that after having been the 
means of bringing together several of the most notable English 
racing yachts, and the American schooners Enchantress and 
Faustine, the weather should have been of a character such as to 
make sailing results wholly unreliable as a guage of racing abili- 
ties. In other respects, however, the last day of the Societe des 
Kegates du Havre was as pleasant as its predecessors, and went 
far towards toning down many of the annoyances and imposi- 
tions to which yachtsmen are subjected in French ports. We 
heard more than one owner affirm it would be their last visit 
until some of the existing regulations and penalties, as far as 
respected yachts were repealed, and really some customary forms 
are unnecessarily vexatious and frivolous. There was great ex- 
citement consequent upon the meeting of the Enchantress and 
Cetonia, when, on Thursday, these vessels were known to have 
arrived in the Hoads, and then the Gwendolin and the Florinda's 
presence contributed additional interest, the Corinne being little 
thought of as the "coming ship;" seeing that in every match she 
previously competed in she had shown lamentably inferior in 
speed to the Cetonia. We bore in mind, however, a display of 
reaching ability in the first half of the race from Dover to Bou- 
logne, and conjured up a day in store when she might get suit- 
able weather. Few, however, were prepared to see Ratsey's hist 
so much improved, but unshipping tanks and a little additional 
lead has worked wonders. We were told that she would display 
in a breeze greatly increased stability, and for this on dit with- 
out reserve there would have been obviously accountable 
reasons. The day was a somewhat remarkable one, the wind for 
the first half being taken fresher by the Enchantres and the 
Corinne — the weather line, while in running back, the lee line 
— had more wind than the Enchantress; the latter, consequently, 
never having had a chance of showing her true form, added 
to which, her throat halliard iron on the main gaff gave out, and 



An International Yacht Race, 1 5 1 

del ij^ed her quite 10 minutes, but she afterwards reached fast 
enough in the same streak of wind as the Corinne to give an 
insight of the possession of marvellous speed on that particular 
point of sailing. Like other long vessels of the American model, 
she made a sorry show with the wind dead on the mast, this 
being simply to be accounted for through the vast amount of 
friction on her large submerged body ; whilst with reference to 
her weatherly qualities, it may be taken as demonstrated that on 
this point she will never be able to compensate by speed in head- 
reaching for a palpable deficiency in weatherliness. The Cetonia 
and the Florinda did not show by any means to advantage. 
Everyone knows Mr. Turner's schooner, by reason of being some- 
what under-canvassed, to be no great flyer in light winds, but 
zephyrs are the Florinda's forte^ yet she sailed in anything but 
brilliant form. The Faustine, a most objectionable vessel to the 
eye in point of shape, figured wretchedly badly, and the Flying 
Cloud, in her best day, would have made a humiliating exhibi- 
tion of the angular-looking American. The two Gertrudes did 
as well as the wind favored them, and the Hirondelle went ap- 
parently as fast as allowed to. The conditions, &c., are 
appended, viz. : — 

Match, open to yachts of all nations of 10 tons and upwards; 
course from markboat off Havre Harbor piers to a markboat 
moored in a W. N. W. direction, and returning to a markboat 
moored about one mile N. N. W. of Cape Le Heve, distance 
about 45 miles ; time race, 15 sec. per ton; tonnage computed ac- 
cording to the society's rule, viz : — The length taken from stem 
to stern post, and breadth and depth at extremes, all in metres ; 
the length is multiplied by the depth and the product by quarter 
breadth, the whole being divided by four to find tonnage. Three 
prizes, viz : — First (Grand Prize of the City of Havre) a work of 
art valued at F 2,500 second F 1,000 third (to the first French 
yacht of any rig) F 1,(>00 in addition to the above the owner of 
the first vessel was presented with a pair of marine glasses, and 
the owner of the second vessel with a telescope. The entries, 
American and English, were : 



1 52 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

TONS, 
YACHT. KIG. FBENCH. OWNER. 

Cetonia schooner 148 Mr. W. Turner. 

Corinne schooner 122 Mr. N. Wood. 

Gwendolin schooner — Major Ewing. 

Egeria schooner — Mr. J. MulhoUand. 

Enchantress schooner 200 Mr. J, F. Loubat. 

Faustine schooner 74 Mr. J. P. Eussell. 

Gertrude yawl 60j Mr. E. Langtry. 

Gertrude yawl 48i Mr. J. F. Watt. 

Hirondelle yawl 60 Mr. W. C. Quilter. 

Florinda yawl 102^ Mr. W. Jessop. 

Yawls sailing at three-fourths, and schooners at three-fifths 
their tonnage. The Gwendolin, although in harbor, did not 
start, and the Egeria, not having arrived from Ireland, was 
another absentee. 

Seven o'clock a. m. would be thought the height of lunacy 
by the metropolitan clubs for starting a match over a course of 
about 4:0 miles, but the Havrais are an early rising people, and 
kept exemplary punctuality in starting the match of July 25. 
The yachts were out of dock at 5, and jilting about in readiness 
at 6:45. There was to be, according to French custom, a drift 
of 15 minutes after starting gun, wherewith to cross the line, 
and then into the book of reckoning went time. Dr. or Cr. 
according as the race was commenced by each, and to be added 
or deducted as the case might be at the finish of the match. 
With a light balloon topsail breeze from the N. N. W. we thus 
logged them : — 

START. 
H. M. S. H. M. S. 

Gertrude (48^) 7 7 45 Corinne 7 11 15 

Enchantress 7 9 46 Florinda 7 13 30 

Hirondelle 7 10 Faustine 7 14 30 

Cetonia 7 10 5 Gertrude (60|) 7 20 

With a W. by N. \ N. course, on a N. N. W. breeze, the 
wind was on the starboard beam, and the Enchantress must have 
had her head up to about N. W. soon after start, for the purpose 
of having weather guage of the rest should the breeze narrow. 



An International Yacht Race. i53 

On the other hand Gertrude (Watt) headed as far to leeward of 
her course, or about W., while the Cetonia would have followed 
the Enchantress in luffing out into a fresher breeze to windward, 
had the Hirondelle not been just in her wind at the opportune 
time. The latter, who looked as if her sails had been given a 
douche bath, perhaps showed a little judgment in leaving the 
heavy weights and wiping away in chase of her class — the lesser 
Gertrude — who was now spinning along, with the mouth of the 
Seine well open, and, keeping the shore aboard, leading vessel. 
The Corinne picked the breezy track in the Enchantress's trail, 
and was quickly upon the Cetonia's starboard beam, with the 
Florinda in a position that about split the distance between the 
two English schooners, the Faustine and the Gertrude (60J) 
making a waiting race of it, Mr. Langtry's craft losing a minute 
or two over and above the allowed quarter of an hour. Balloon- 
topsails and staysails, jib topsails and big jibs were carried on all 
but the Cetonia and the Florinda, who had working topsails, the 
two American vessels spread of sail beggaring description com- 
pared with the rest. At 7:30 the Enchantress and the Corinne 
led weather line, with a palpable advantage in amount of breeze 
over the Cetonia and the Florinda, while away on the lee beam 
of the Cetonia, a mile distant, was the Gertrude, reaching fast, 
with the Hirondelle far in her wake, but both with less of the 
motive power in their sails than the vessels further north. Two 
miles astern were the Faustine and the Gertrude (Langtry), 
bringing up a clipping burst to what the rest had. This was 
obvious from the style in which the Gertrude was heeling up, 
but the wee Yankee, with her delta topsails, had a good deal of 
the sentry-box upright carriage. The wind was free enough, 
and there should not have been a difference in so short a space 
of water, but the Enchantress certainly had more than either the 
Cetonia or the Florinda, while the Corinne planted herself at 
7:35 right on the Cetonia's weather beam. Settling at 7:40 to a 
nice steady balloon topsail breeze, a weak spot in the iron work 
of the Enchantress's gaff brought the sail with a run down at 
the throat, and it was ten minutes — and smart work too — before 



i54 ' A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

the mainsail was again set up and balloon topsail resheeted. In 
this opening the Cetonia walked up on the Enchantress, and 
drew level with her port quarter, although three-quarters of a 
mile to the southward, the Corinne closing in to about half a 
mile of the American's wake, and being third vessel, the Florinda 
in the Cetonia's trail fourth, the Gertrude (Watt) fifth, Hiron- 
delle sixth, Faustine seventh, and the other Gertrude whipping 
up with the little Scapin, going in very good form indeed, lead- 
ing French yachts. 

At 8 o'clock a little roll from seaward made us look for more 
wind, but it kept light and unsteady, until 9 o'clock, when the 
Corinne had reached past with the breeze on her beam very wide 
to windward of the Cetonia, now being second vessel to the En- 
chantress, a mile distant, the Cetonia was about '200 yards east 
of the Corinne, and the Florinda some three cables' lengths 
astern of the Cetonia, the others in same position, but the Hiron- 
delle was being nearly played out by both the Faustine and Ger- 
trude (Langtry), and then a quarter of an hour later certaiiily last 
vessel. Two miles from the markboat (that was discernible 
through the haze only a sliort time previously) the wind short- 
ened, and the Enchantress screwed up to be certain of fetching 
her W. limit on starboard tack, and a little later on all came 
close-hauled, bearing the mark the wind again freed slightly, but 
the weather-most boats, the Enchantress and Corinne, had a 
good bit the best of it, the northing giving the additional advan- 
tage of a free slant when round. The Enchantress made the 
most of her position, and showing great speed, even in so light a 
breeze, had an undeniably creditable lead, when she tacked to 
round the W. mark steamer 20 miles from Havre ; the time of" 
each staying being: — 



H. M. S. H. M. s. 

Enchantress 10 2 30 Gertrude 60i 10 44 

Corinne 10 10 Faustine 10 48 

Cetonia. 10 15 45 Mesange 10 50 

Florinda. . . .... 10 20 40 Hirondelle 10 52 

Gertrude 48i 10 41 



An International Yacht Race, " i55 

The wind was just abaft the port beam when they steadied 
for their course to the Le Heve mark, the Enchantress ran with 
two balloon topsails, balloon maintopmast-staysail and balloon- 
forestaysail, beside all lower canvas, the Corinne being similarly 
treated, but for some time appeared to have her f oretopsail sheet 
adrift. The weather, which had been overcast with but oc- 
casional bursts of sun improved about 11 o'clock, but when the 
summer haze rolled away and the sun came out strong, the 
breeze lost heart, and now on the English craft spinnakers were 
set jib fashion, the American, with not so much wind as the 
Corinne and Cetonia, coming back very fast, until at 11:30 
the stranger had lost position to the Corinne, and the Cetonia 
had also gone past her. Mr. Turner's vessel and the Corinne 
drew within hail, and the Florinda on being treated to her 
favorite jib, picked up her heels in vulgar haste and left the 
American flax pile as though brought up. With a rally of wind 
astern, the tail of the fleet rose their hulls on the leaders until 
the big Gertrude could be seen feathering at the stem, and the 
lesser American doing better with the ruck than on sailing west. 
The breeze towards noon drew round on to the quarter, and 
then spinnaker booms were dropped, and sails set square. The 
Corinne's fore -spinnaker, as jib, drawing well, and picking up a 
breeze at 12:30 that made the sheet tauten out, she with ad- 
ditional help of main spinnaker went fast away from the Cetonia, 
while the Florinda got into a vein that drew her up in under 
the Cetonia's beam, and lasted of sufficient strength to ramp her 
through the schooner's lee. An unaccountable burst at 1:30 
put the Corinne double the distance, or about a mile and a half 
ahead of the Cetonia in a short space of time. Of course it was 
a little wind favor, but it obviously settled the destination of 
the prize, as the Florinda, although going again in her best 
form looked little like saving time on Mr. Wood's craft, and 
both were going far faster than either the Cetonia or the En- 
chantress. The latter towards the close ran up slightly on the 
Cetonia, but we saw enough of her to judge that down the wind 
there are a number of faster craft on this side ; but, perhaps. 



1^6 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

other than the untried Gosport frigates there is no tried vessel, 
the Sappho included, capable of reaching with Mr. Loubat's 
Enchantress. She was ^qyj well taken care of in the race, but, 
as we have said before, we attach but very Jittle importance to 
the result of this match. The finish made the Corinne an easy 
winner, and the Florinda more particularly so of second prize, 
the little French cutter, Scapin, having revenge on the Mesange 
by winning her prize with a lot in hand. The times of arrival 
were : — 

H. M. S. H. M. S. 

*CoEiNE 2 1 45 Geetkude (Langtry), .2 49 

IFlorinda 2 12 30 Faustine 2 49 30 

CetONIA 2 14 HiEONDELLE 2 50 20 

Enchanteess 2 19 30 JSoapin 2 50 30 

Geeteude (Watt) ... 2 46 

*Winner of £100, first prize, and marine glasses. 
tWinner of £40, second prize, and telescope. 
^Winner of £40, for first French yacht. 



The Field, London August 1, 1874. 

SOCIETE DES EEGATES DU HAVEE. 

• Saturday, July 25. 

The good yachtsmen of Havre brought their regatta to a 
close on this 25th day of July ; but the vessels that sailed for 
their prizes are to compete in another match across Channel on 
Monday. So far as we know, everyone is satisfied with the 
arrangements the Kegatta Society has made, and the liberality 
displayed has been simply charming. However, the society has 
determined to go still farther, and next year promises three 
prizes of F 2000 each for " each rig," and a prix d'honneur of 
F 3000 for first yacht by classification. Such startling liberality 
will no doubt induce a large number of English yachts to flock 
to Havre. 

The race to-day was mainly remarkable for the dehut of the 
American yacht Enchantress, and if she were something like a 
Cetonia among Flying Clouds, her entree would be regarded 



An International Yacht Race, . iSy 

with some interest. Allowing for her great size, she will no 
doubt be always a formidable competitor ; but it would be ab- 
surd to suppose that there is anything wonderful about her. She 
will always beat small vessels in breezes, just as the Sappho 
would ; but we should expect to see her pretty well tied up with 
such a weight of wind as a vessel like the Guinivere would have 
to haul down a reef in. The Cetonia got an exemplary beating 
from Corinne, but the beating was a little too much to be true. 
However, the Corinne ran and reached right well, and she may 
cause some anxiety on board Egeria and Pantomime ere the 
season is out. In dismissing the doings of the Havre Kegatta 
Society this year, we can only re-echo a feeling we have heard 
expressed on board most of the yachts present, that the arrange- 
ments for the matches were in many instances superior to those 
of English clubs, and that the liberality as to prizes was such as 
not only to call forth satisfaction, but astonishment, considering 
the flying visits the yachts make to the place. 

The starting hour was appointed for 7 a. m., and it was early 
on tide (6:30) when the fleet came out from the floating docks 
into the roads. 

The weather on the previous night had been overcast and 
wore an unsettled look, but, after a thunderstorm, cleared away 
and somewhat brightened up. With the first of the morning a 
thick haze rolled in from the I^. W., bringing a light, chilly air 
from that quarter, and it looked all over like a day for flying 
kites. Enchantress showed her hand by setting her two balloon 
topsails, huge flying jib, and staysail; and her competitor Faus- 
tine copied this sail plan to the letter. Corinne set main bal- 
loon-topsail, the rest of the fleet big working sails. The French 
vessels, however, could not let such an eligible opportunity pass 
without airing their balloon canvas, and (it little recked whether 
on or off the wind) boom water sails were rigged with a view of 
accelerating speed. Once we thought the north wind had heart 
in it for a pipe up, but there was little more than enough 
to keep their sails asleep when the line was crossed after second 
gun fire (7 h. 5 m.). We timed them to commence the race thus • 



1 58 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

H. M. S. H. M. S. 

Gertrude (Watt) 7 7 45 Corinne 7 11 15 

Enchantress 7 9 4 Florinda 7 13 30 

Hkundelle 7 10 Faustine 7 14 30 

Cetonia 7 10 05 Gertrude (Langtry). 7 18 

On heading her course Enchantress trimmed her sheet for a 
breeze about two points abaft the beam, Gertrude being broad 
on her lee (port) bow, and evidently intending to keep the shore 
closer aboard. When Cetonia luffed for the mark boat she found 
Hirondelle too close to clear her bowsprit of the yawl's mizen, 
and had to bear away under her lee beam; here the schooner 
hung for a time, and was prevented thereby getting fair in the 
wake of Enchantress, and in a breeze to windward, which 
the Hirondelle's captain could not appreciate the advantage of. 
On the other hand, Corinne luffed out into it and soon came up 
on the beam oe Cetonia ; while the weather-beaten dandy, Hiron- 
delle went in to share a streak of calm to leeward with Mr. 
Watt's Gertrude, at once losing any chance she might have had 
in the race. Elorinda came on almost in the wake of Cetonia, 
slightly drawing up on Mr. Turner's schooner, while Faustine 
was being fast left astern by all the vessels which had crossed 
the imaginary line before her, and was coming back fast to Mr. 
Langtry's Gertrude— who, by the way, lost some three minutes 
over and above the fifteen allowed at the start. Briefly, there 
was more wind by far with the weather line— where were the 
Enchantress and Corinne— than with those further to the south- 
ward, viz., Cetonia, Elorinda, and Gertrude; and seeing this 
Poland, of the Enchantress, wisely luffed out into it, eventually^ 
getting a nice sailing breeze, and, with every available inch of 
fore and aft sail set, was grandly drawing away from Cetonia, 
who was, at 7.30, second vessel. Jibtopsails were set by all at, 
7.36, although the wind, from two points free, was now fair on 
the beam, and northing as they sailed west. At 7.36 the 
Enchantress found wind enough to wring and break the iron 
work of the main gaff that the lower main halyard block was 
connected to, and of course the mainsail settled down at the 
throat; the topsail sheet, however, held on, and the vessel was 



An International Yacht Race, iSq 

kept going her course, with but the slightest diminution of 
speed. Ten minutes elapsed ere the luff of the mainsail was 
again taunt, and then Cetonia had ranged herself up 'on the 
American's port beam, Corinne being far in her wake some three 
quarters of a mile distant. Florinda was a quarter of a mile 
astern of Cetonia, with Gertrude (Mr. Watt) two miles distant 
on the lee beam. Faustine and Gertrude (Mr. Langtry) were 
sailing along in close company two miles astern of Florinda. 
The weather was yet dull and overcast, with a slight motion of 
sea, when the N. E. tide came away, and then, after a 
little bursty of sunshine, the air came very chilly. At nine 
o'clock the wind had drawn forward the beam, . and, through 
keeping a course close to windward of the mark. Enchantress 
and Corinne got a fine lift, as well as having about double the 
power of wind Cetonia and Florinda had ; whilst Gertrude (Mr. 
Langtry) and Faustine were bringing up a breeze that put them 
up close to Gertrude (Mr. Watt) and passed Hirondelle by some 
two miles. How much better the Enchantress went when she 
took wind just forward the beam then she did running, was ob- 
vious enough, and now that it freshened a little neither Cetonia 
nor Corinne could by long chalks compass her speed; the 
Corinne was in the same streak of wind, but neither Ce- 
tonia nor Florinda had the same weight. Ere the markboat 
was reached they came to a close haul, and with it a softening of 
the wind ; maintopmast-staysails were run down on the schooners 
and jib topsails also, for rounding ; and, as will be seen by the 
appended times, the tailing from first to last was so considerable 
that it would be futile work to attempt to show how partial and 
spotty the breeze must have been on the twenty miles, reach 
down to the western mark, viz.: 

H. M. s. H. M. s. 

Enchantress 10 2 30 Gertrude (Langtry). . .10 44 

Corinne 10 10 Faustine 10 48 

Cetonia 10 15 Mesange (1st French 

Florinda 10 20 40 yacht). .10 50 

Gertrude (Watt) ... 10 41 HirondeUe 10 52 



i6o A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

Enchantress ran up fore balloon topsail and balloon maintop - 
mast staysail, after having taken nearly a minute and a half in 
staying round the mark. There was no tide to consider, and 
thus, with a free wind, the direct course was steered for the 
winning mark off Cape Le Heve, bearing E. by N., distant 
twenty-four miles. Up to 10:30 the leading vssssls ran with a 
light and failing breeze just abaft the port beam, but which 
kept gradually drawing more aft. At eleven o'clock the sun 
came out intensely hot, and so dried up the wind as to become 
nearly a case of doldrums. Enchantress might have got into a 
calmer streak than either Corinne or Cetonia, the last named 
pair taking a wide berth on her port (lee) side, and leaving her 
in turn, fast as the American was going through the water. 
Noon brought a little more- air, with a light summer haze, and 
at 12.30 there was a beautiful true balloon topsail breeze. Cor- 
inne now, with a clear lead, of half a mile from Cetonia, set her 
spinnaker on bowsprit, and then Florinda, who had now also run 
past Enchantress, followed the fashion. At one o'clock Cetonia 
had nearly drawn up on Corinne's beam, when the latter spurted 
off in a little extra lift of wind, and at the same time Florinda 
came blowing at the bow with a* double measure from the bel- 
lows. Enchantress had the wind lighter, there was no doubt, 
but, even when in the same strart, could not run as fast as either 
of the English schooners. Corinne, with a thorough racing fit- 
out, was materially helped by having two spinnakers when the 
wind came far enough aft to set the main one and carry the 
other on the bowsprit ; but as to area of sail, of course the En- 
chantress should on any point have had the heels of the smaller 
vessels, even in light winds. Florinda carried a breeze from a 
mile astern of Cetonia right through her lee and out ahead, and 
wanted but a little distance to have taken time from the Cor- 
inne. Gertrude (2), Faustine, Hirondelle, and Scapin (first 
French yacht) brought a breeze up that closed them in with the 
leading vessels, but not near enough to in any way affect the 
result. Two miles from home Corinne took in main spinnaker, 
and finished with one fore jib. 




" Corinne.' 



THE INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL MATCH.— THE " CC 



From the G raj) hie, Lojidon, August 8, 18^4. 




" Enchantress." 



AND "ENCHANTRESS" STRUCK BY A SQUALL. 



CHAPTER IX. 



USTTEKIS^ATIONAL CHANNEL MATCH. 



YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE AND ROYAL ALBERT YACHT CLUB. 
From Havre to Soutlasea July 27, 1874. 



OPEN TO YACHTS OF ALL NATIONALITIES. 

By the Yacht Chib De France and the Koyal Albert Yacht 
Club. 

First Prize. — (Given by the Yacht Club de France) the Glad- 
iators, two silver statues, unpublished models, offered by M. J. 
L. Gerome, Painter, member of the "Institut de France," 
value £320 besides the value of art, the value of metal only is 
Jgl20. 

Second Prize. — (Given by the Yacht Club de France) a silver 
cup (Grande Patere Minerve, du Tresor de Hildesheim), value 
£80. 

Third Pmze. — A silver cup, value £25, given by the Royal 
Albert Yacht Club. 

Special Prizes. — A purse of £12, offered by the Yacht Club- 
de France, to the yacht arriving first, whatever the rig, but float- 
ing the French flag. 

A purse of £8, offered by the Yacht Club de France, to the 
yacht arriving second, whatever the rig, but floating the French 
flag. 



1 62 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

To start from Havre roads, on the 2Ttli of July, at four 
o'clock, at high water. 

The time of starting of each vessel will be taken by chronom- 
eter, at the moment of passing through an imaginary line drawn 
from the shore to the starting buoy floating special flag, by the 
Committee of the Yacht Club de France. 

In like manner, the time of each yacht will be taken on its 
passing the winning mark off Southsea, by the Committee of the 
Royal Albert Yacht Club. 

If the first vessel in is a cutter and if she saves her time on 
her rig, she will take the first prize. 

The second prize can only be won, on the same conditions, by 
a schooner or a yawl. 

The third prize will be taken by the first yacht of a different 
rig to the former ones and on the same conditions. 

The allowance of time for tonnage (which is only to be 
applied with regard to yachts of the same rig) as well as the ton- 
nage measurement, will be according to the Rules of the Royal 
Albert Yacht Club. 

In all other respects with the exception of time allowance 
and tonnage measurement, the Rules of the Yacht Club de France 
will be adhered to. 

In case of dispute, the Committee of the Royal Albert Yacht 
Club and the Committee of the Conseil Maritime du Y'acht Club 
de France will decide. 

There will be no entrance fee for any yachts carrying the flag 
of the Yacht Club de France. 

For all others it will be £4. 

But, on payment of this sum, the vessel so doing acquires 
the right of carrying the flag of the Yacht Club de France and 
of enjoying the privileges attached to it during the present year, 
and during the following years by payment of 16s. per 
year. 

^ Each yacht on entering must state the distinguishing colors 
of her racing flag and at the same time pay the entrance fee. 

In the event of the vessels arriving in the night, the Mark- 



International Channel Match. 163 

boat, at Southsea, will show three vertical lights and throw up a 
rocket on the arrival of each vessel. 

Yachts are to pass near enough to the markboattogi^e their 
names and tonnage. 

COMMITTEE OF THE MATCH. 

President, M. G. Benoit-Champy, Yice-President of the 
Yacht Club de France. 

Members, The members of the "Oonseil Maritime" of the 
Yacht Club de France; MM. de Kouge (Marquis), the Capt. J. 
H. Anderson; the Members of the Committee of the Royal 
Albert Yacht Club; MM. Champeaux, Larue, Mandrot and 
Marcel, Members of the Committee of the Societe des Regates 
du Havre. 

YACHTS TO ENTER UP TO THE 15th JULY. 

At Paris, at the Secretaryship of the Yacht Club de France 
rue Louis le Grand. 

At Southsea, at the Secretaryship of the Royal Albert Yacht 
Club Club House. 

At Havre at the Secretaryship of the Societe des Regates du 
Havre, 31, quai d'Orleans. 
Vice- ADMiBAii Bakon Cl. de La Koncibke-Le Noury, 

President of the Yaeht-Cluh de France. 

Count E. Batthyany, E. N. E. 
Rear- Commodore of the Royal- Albert- Yacht-Club. 



The, Commercial Advertiser, New York, July 29, 1874. 

THE INTERNATIONAL YACHT RACE. 

It quickens all hearts on this side of the Atlantic to read that 
in the International Yacht Race on Monday, in the English chan- 
nel, the American yacht Enchantress came in first, leading the 
fleet by eleven minutes and forty seconds. Unfortunately she 
lost the fruits of her prowess through time allowance, but it is 



164 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

gratifying to know that the stars and stripes were the first to 
greet the eyes of our English neighbors at Southsea. The race 
had been arranged by the Yacht Chib of France, and the point 
of departure was Havre. Ten yachts started, but the cable 
only tells us that the American came in first, followed by the 
Corinne, the latter taking the prize by time allowance. The 
Enchantress is schooner built, is owned by M. J. F. Loubat, and 
belongs to the ISTew York Yacht Club. The brilliant feat of the 
American champion will give a new impetus to international 
contests in deep water. 



The New York Times, Neio York, July 31, 1874. 

Mr. Loubat's fine yacht the Enchantress, appears to be sustain- 
ing abroad the reputation for speed and stanchness which she 
won in our waters. In the recent international race from Havre 
•to Southsea, under the management of the French Yacht Club, 
the Enchantress, although becalmed all night, came in ahead of 
the fleet by nearly twelve minutes. The cup, indeed, she failed 
to secure, that being awarded to her nearest competitor on time 
allowance ; but her performance shows that American yachts 
have little to fear from any foreign rivals. Some months ago 
Mr. Loubat suffered a great deal of ill-considered and wild 
criticism from certain newspapers because he insisted, as he had 
a clear right to do, upon claiming a challenge cup for which his 
only contestant had refused to sail. It gives us the more pleas- 
ure, therefore, to record his present success. 



BelVs Life in London, London, August I, 1874. 

CHANNEL EACE FKOM HAVKE TO SOUTHSEA. 

After Saturday's match the whole fleet of competitors, ex- 
cepting the Enchantress, came into harbor, and thus ensured a 
quiet day preparatory to the Channel Race on Monday. On Sat- 



International Channel Match. i65 

nrday night the wind freshened, and on Sunday morning blew 
strong on the rise of the flood, a nasty roll coming into the bay, 
and the long counter of the Enchantress popping very unplea- 
santly. She consequently joined the harbor division, and came 
out with the rest about 9 o'clock on (Monday) the morning of 
the race. 

The start had with the first issue of the program been set 
for 4 P.M. — high water — so it was stated, but low water would 
have been nearer the mark, seeing that the morning tide of Mon- 
day was at 8.50. In consequence of this, and the glaring un- 
suitability of the appointed time, an effort was made to induce 
the committee to alter the starting hour, the idea being readily 
enough taken up by the executive of the French Yacht Club, and 
debated on. Many matters, however, having been prearranged, 
it was elicited that it would be impolitic to interfere with exist- 
ing arrangements, other than that of postponing the start until 
the day following at 8 o'clock. To this proposition many pre- 
sent were willing to accede ; but in the end it was determined to 
stand by the original program, and out of tliis expressed ul- 
timatum some little unpleasantness arose, which, however, has 
doubtless b}^ this time been smoothed over, and will have no 
more lasting impression upon French yachtsmen than upon 
those from this side the channel. Sunday's breeze had blown 
itself out, and St. Adresse Bay was as smooth as a dyke by noon 
on Monday, at which hour the whole of the competitors — except 
Mr. Langtry's Gertrude — nine in number, showed up, and the 
time dragged wearily enough without the slightest prospect of a 
breeze. With a delay of an hour came a little chill, but this, 
the lightest of topsail breezes, was nearly spun out by sundown. 
In the first watch came a clock calm, and the air — from a close 
haul at starting, when a little draught did come — breezed up 
dead aft, then with a temporary burst came a fight between an 
easterly and westerly breeze, the catspaws prevailing in the end 
from the latter quarter ; in one of these vagrant ah's Corinne got 
a start, such as is often seen in the Channel, which sent her away 
roaring from the Gwendolin, and giving her quite an eight mile 



1 66 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

lead, sufficient, in fact, to put a heavy mortgage in her favor on 
the most valuable prize of the year, and this before nearly half 
of the course had been sailed. Subsequently, however, she well 
held her place, and is, no doubt, a greatly improved vessel since 
the early part of the season. A palpable error in judgment at 
the finish might, however, have nullified her first advantage, and 
lost the Corinne the race, the outrageous carrying on at such a 
juncture being out of all countenance. The Enchantress when a 
breeze came, illustrated the utter futility of anything in the 
race attempting to reach with her, and we should think tliat in a 
fresh breeze, with the wind on the beam, she could open out a 
two mile lead in every hour from the best one pitted against her 
on Monday last. Run, however, she will not, and in sailing to 
windward, the task of rendering a satisfactory result might 
be safely left with the Cetonia. 

Of the rest we feel convinced that had the Gwendolin started 
on the previous form her winning chance was far before the 
Corinne's, and in the result of this race one cannot but trace the 
same provoking run of ill-luck Major Swing's schooner has en- 
countered so persistently of late. The Cetonia we knew to be 
out of trim and required docking. This there seems to be no 
doubt was the cause of her not appearing in her previous fine 
form. The Florinda was within an ace of getting served by the 
Hirondelle, as the Corinne did the Gwendolin, Mr. Quilter's 
yawl sailing a very good race with Mr. Jessop's notability, and 
only being out of it when simply overpowered by weight of 
breeze. The Florinda, reckoning the second prize in this race, 
has thus accomplished nine consecutive wins, a very remarkable 
yachting coincidence. Of the Faustine nothing need be said, 
but the Mesange deserves a passing compliment. The first part 
of the race, as we have said, was paltry in the extreme, but the 
end, as will be seen in our detailed report, made some little 
amends for the unsatisfactory outset. The following were con- 
ditions and entries, the Gertrude alone not starting : — 

The race was under the auspices of the Yacht Club ae 
France and the Boyal Albert Yacht Club of England, open to 



International Channel Match, I ^'/ 

yachts of all nations. Course, from Havre to Sonthsea ; The 
entries were : 

YACHTS. RIG. TONS. OWNERS. 

Cetonia Schooner 202 Mr. W. Turner. 

Comtede Ghambord (F)Cutter. 26 Mr. M. E. Cardon. 

Corinne Schooner 165 Mr. N. Wood. 

Enchantress (American). Schooner 320 Mr. J. F. Loubat. 

Fans tine '' Schooner 120 Mr. J. P, Eussell. 

Florinda Yawl 136 Mr. W. Jessop. 

Gertrude Yawl 80 Mr. E. Langtry. 

Gwendolin Schooner 192 Major Ewing. 

Mesange (French) . . Cutter . . 40 Mr. M. Le Eoy d'EtioUes. 

Scapin '' Cutter. . . 31 Mr. M. Leon Baque. 

From a flat calm at 4 o'clock there came a few stray veins, 
and at an hour after the appointed starting hour a neutral tint 
on the sea away in the northern board gave notice of a breeze 
that, in a few minutes, ruffled the whole of the bay, and set 
several at shifting. Yery quickly the Corinne's balloon topsails 
disappeared for working ones, and then the Enchantress and the 
Gwendolin came to two jib-headers, the Cetonia's two working 
sails appearing after all about the correct thing ; but one and 
all seemed to be of a mind that wind was meant from the clouds 
and dark sea-line. A further provoking delay made some rather 
impatient to be sent off, but it was 5.12.10 before the gun was 
fired, and then this was the order and time of their being logged 
crossing the line : 

H. M. S. H. M. 8. 

Hh'ondelle 5 17 Chambord 5 20 50 

Flormda 5 18 Gwendolin 5 21 

Cetonia 5 19 Enchantress 5 22 50 

Mesange .^ 5 20 Faustine 5 27 

Scapin 5 20 30 Corinne 2 30 10 

The Hirondelle. Florinda, Cetonia, Mesange, Enchantress, 
and Corinne, shot round the markboat in stays, and headed off 
about N. W., with a light breeze from N. by E. The Corinne 
lost some three minutes at start, and the Gwendolin and the 
Faustine, who were far under Cape La Heve, made a poor be- 
ginning indeed. For the first half hour the breeze continued 



1 68 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

northerly, and jib-topsails were run up to bend a hand on the 
close haul. At 6 o'clock the breeze had so freed that a course 
N. by W. for the Nab was being made good. At this time the 
Cetonia had drawn out from under lee of the Florinda, and be- 
come leading vessel, the Corinne and the Grwendolin coming up 
fast away fine on the weather quarter of the Florinda, the Hiron- 
delle being close upon the latter's weather quarter, while far 
away astern of all was the Faustine. All the time of the close 
haul the Enchantress had been dropping to leeward of the Ce- 
tonia ; and, although in the first instance she had tacked at the 
markboat, well clear of the Cetonia's wind, she was- now fairly 
under her lee-quarter, and, forereaching not a whit faster and 
not looking within a point of the Cowes schooner course. The 
Corrine brought up a luffing breeze, which put her up with the 
Hirondelle ; and, at 6:30, with a failing wind — ^free enough 
for maintopmast staysails, and spinnakers on bowsprit — jib-headed 
topsails came down and ballooners went up on the Enchantress, 
Corinne, and Grweodolin, and then balloon staysails were bent to 
the stays and hoisted . 

At 7 o'clock the Cetonia was the leading vessel, with the 
Florinda second, and the Enchantress third. The Gwendolin 
and Corinne, however, away to the eastward, were bringing 
more wind up with them, and at 7:4:5 Major Ewing's vessel 
went fairly past the Florinda to windward, and by 8 was up on 
the Cetonia's starboard beam, carrying a breeze. The Corinne 
also went past the -Florinda and Cetonia, the Enchantress hang- 
ing under the lee quarter of the Cetonia, and not altering her 
position a jot. The water was as smooth as a lake at 8:15, and 
at 8:30 the wind had nearly died out in the eastward. A light 
breeze was yet playing, but the Cetonia and the Enchantress, to 
the westward, were in the doldrums, and had both the Gwen- 
dolin and the Corinne now ahead of them. The Corinne drew 
up close to the Gwendolin, and after a luff the Cowes schooner 
took the lead, both carrying a little breeze, but the Corinne 
having apparently the best. Heavy thunderclouds were hanging 
in the K. W. when the sun went down, but other than a passing 



Inter national Channel Match. 169 

blow out of one of these steely-looking banks, the sky had not 
the least appearance of wind. By 9 o'clock the evening had 
deepened so quickly as to render the Corinne and the Gwendolin 
almost indistinct from the Enchantress and the Florinda, but 
from the Cetonia the Corinne could be made out drawing away 
from the Gwendolin, and astern the Faustine and the Hirondelle 
had a little breeze, by which they closed the land in fast from 
the Enchantress, Florinda, and Cetonia,, who had the wind on the 
masthead. At 9 Cape Antifer Light bore S. E. by E., and La 
Heve Lights S. By 9:30 a little air came up right aft, and spin- 
nakers were set, the Cetonia and the Florinda running along 
almost beam and beam, with the Enchantress a quarter of a 
mile astern of Mr. Turner's schooner. Gwendolin also set her 
spinnaker, and stealing up on the Corinne unperceived, went 
past her to windward ere the latter thought of squaring off her 
boom and setting sail for a run. By 10 o'clock there had been 
several gybes ; but after this the wind came from the S. W., and 
the Corinne once more drew up on the Gwendolin's beam, the 
Cetonia and the Florinda's position being now equally good with 
tliose of the Corinne and Gwendolin, and in fact both they and 
the Enchantress were nearer than anv of the rest to the Kab ; a 
freeing of the wind to the southward would, of course, how- 
ever, give the lee vessels the best chance through drawing to 
and getting everything to draw, while the weather line would 
be more off the wind. 

At 11.30 the Corinne, about 200 yards from the Gwendolin 
took a westerly draught, which freshened as she went on, and 
with a lee tide she made herself a breeze which lasted her out until 
she was fairly out of sight of everything else, the rest meanwhile 
lying with scarcely steerage way. Save a light eye where the 
sun went down, the night was cloudy, and it was 4 o'clock when 
the Corinne ^vas made out with a good six miles lead of the 
Cetonia, the Gwendolin being third in position, then the 
Enchantress, Florinda, Hirondelle and Faustine. At 4.30 a 
clinking breeze came up from the westward, and the Enchantress 
soon drew out from the Cetonia, the Gwendolin fairly reaching 



ijo A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

away from the last named, but the Florinda being left fast by 
schooners. As before stated, the two lee vessels, the Corinne 
and Gwendolin, had an advantage in being in a position to get 
their sails drawing better than the Cetonia; but the Enchantress, 
although similarly situated, drew fast on the pair, and quickly 
reached past the Gwendolin, going at a tremendous pace after 
the Corinne, and illustrating that the vaunted 16 knots was not 
moonshine. It was only a question of distance for the Enchan- 
tress to have won; she passed the Corinne about the Nab, the 
latter now, with the same strength of wind that had come up at 
4.30, being smothered with sail, and with a little sea on the tide 
the gear was getting hardly used. The Corinne had two 
ballooners and spinnaker for jib when, at 7 o'clock, the wind 
shortened, and made the big headsail lift; one shake *and all 
full again, and down came both topmasts, the maintopsail yard 
and main-gaff also going, and leaving Mr. Wood's smart little 
craft a pitiable object. She was kept going her course while 
the wreck was cleared away, the flying Enchantress of course 
picking up precious minutes; but from the Kab it was too short 
to hope to save her time from the Corinne, even in her crippled 
state. Gwendolin stuck to her ballooners to the finish, but was 
wary in running down headsail and maintopraast staysail. Major 
Ewing's vessel came in in such style that we thought it a pity 
the Corinne's fluke had left the Gwendolin out of it, especially 
as we hear she will not sail again this year. The Enchantress 
finished first, her performance at reaching — during the time there 
had come a fair sailing breeze — being a splendid one; but the 
Corinne was well within time, and took the big £320 prize, the 
Florinda second (£40), and the Mesange the prize for French 
3^achts. The ofiicial times of arrival were: — 

H. M. S. H. M. s. 

Eiicbaiitress 7 21 40 Hirondelle 8 48 35 

Corinne 7 33 20 Faustine . .9 1 20 

Gwendolin , 7 53 15 Mesange 9 23 10 

Cetonia 7 54 56 Scapin 9 36 30 

Flormda 8 12 45 Chambord 9 49 50 



htternational Channel, Match. 1 7 1 

The Field, Tjondon, August 1, 1874, 

THE YACHT CLUB OF FRANCE. 

Monday, July 27. 

We have beea over and over again asked why the members 
of the Yacht Club de France gave £400 in prizes to bring about 
a match between English and American yachts. Knowing the 
fondness our Gallic friends have for the sea and all its influences, 
we replied — a little too simple was that reply perhaps — it was 
their love of watching a good contest upon water. A satisfac- 
tory confirmation was given to this answer at Havre on Sunday, 
by the announcement that many members of the club had arrived 
from Paris, and had chartered a steamer to accompany the match 
across Channel. This was evidence that a keen interest was 
taken in the coming contest, and the Englishmen present were 
charmed ; indeed, so warm was the enthusiasm evoked at Fras- 
cati's, that they would have embraced their admirers had it 
been a custom the phlegmatic Britishers were tutored in. As it 
was, Mr. Midshipman Easy took Alphonse by the hand, and 
assured him that all the yacht owners present felt proud of the 
admiration they had excited in the minds of Frenchmen, and 
that they would only be too glad to teach them the art of yaclit- 
ing, as they had taught them everything else before. The 
mutual adulation being over, and its debilitating effects removed 
by all round doses of B. and S., the expert Britisher began to 
think it was time to question some of the arrangements of the 
contest. There is no doubt our countrymen — and we might say 
countrywomen — do like to see a yacht match sailed ; and it is 
very certain, if the match be sailed in the dark, they cannot so see 
it. Accordingly, as the Yac]it Club de France had arranged that 
the start should be an afternoon one — four o'clock — the English- 
men present ventured to ask that they might be allowed to start 
at 9 A. M., especially as they would have to be outside in the bay 
at that hour. But the Frenchmen who delight in yacht sailing 
are made of stubborn stuff, and would not yield an inch, even 



172 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

though they themselves were barred viewing the contest. Arrange- 
ments should not be changed, they argued, out of mere caprice ; 
and moreover they had agreed to banquet themselves at one 
o'clock, three hours before the start, and then rise to view the 
fight with emotions that the gods might envy. 

The morrow came, and a wet, dirty-looking morrow it was, 
ver}?- little wind, a leaden sky, and a drizzling rain. At eight 

o'clock all the vachts that were to meet in the contest were 

t/ 

towed outside and anchored in the bay, to wait a dreary eight 
hours for four o'clock. Two o'clock came, and we began to look 
anxiously for the steamer freighted with the members of the 
Yacht Club ; but they came not yet, and the Dollond which we 
turned upon the glittering corridors of Frascati told us the 
carousal was still unfinished. But banquets, like other good 
things, must come to an end, and presently — at three o'clock — 
the steamer, flying the tri-color of the Yacht Club de France 
and the blue ensign of the Royal Albert Yacht Club, came out 
of the harbor. At 3.30 she was alongside the nearest yacht, 
and gave final instructions that the match would be started at 4 
p. M. across an imaginary line. The steamer then made off to 
the other yachts, and, as they were very much scattered about, 
it took her just one hour and a half to go to them all and then 
get into position W. IST. W. of Cape La Heve to form the line of 
the start. And so ^yq o'clock came before the gun was 
fired, and, with only three hours of daylight before us, we began 
to think that the good things partaken of at Frascati's would 
lose our French friends a sight of the match. We were think- 
ing how best we could condole with them on this disappointment, 
when lo ! directly the start had taken place away steamed the 
Club vessel straight for the Culvers, leaving the yachts to them- 
selves and Davy Jones. "There," says Dipsey Sounding in our 
ear, "Talk of Mossoo taking an interest in a yacht match ! they 
know as much about it as a Kaffer does of the Sanscrit for peak 
purchase ; I tell ye it's all done for political reasons." Well, it 
was rather a nose-ender to see that steamer steam away, but in 
ten minutes we had sunk our wonderment, the steamer, Dipsey 



International Channel Match, 1 7.3 

Sounding's political reasons, and all the rest of it ; and thought 
only of the contest and that very wicked-looking young lady La 
Belle Americaine. 

There had been a nice sou'-westerly breeze during the early 
morning; but after noon the breeze died away, and up to three 
o'clock there was scarcely a ripple upon the water. Then there 
eame a smart breeze from the northward, straight across from 
the Nab, and the vessels that had sent up balloon topsails hauled 
them down. These were Gwendolin and Enchantress, and they 
now sent up jib-headers, and Corinne sent up big workers. But 
before the gun was given for the start the breeze died out to 
light airs, and everybody wished that the dark clouds and tiie 
chill from them had not frightened ballooners off the vessels. 
The match did not, for the first part, prove a very exciting affair, 
and told us very little concerning the merits of the vessels. 
However, we could see that the Enchantress is a slouch close- 
hauled off a light wind, and that the Gwendolin is better than 
Cetonia under similar conditions ; but then we knew that before. 
The Corinne moved very fast in the light wind, and from the 
first half-hour looked the most dangerous vessel in the race. It 
was a pity she got so far away from the others during the night, 
whilst they were becalmed, as we could not fairly judge of her 
performance in the fine reaching breeze which blew after three 
o'clock on Tuesday morning ; but there is no doubt she kept up 
the reputation she made on the Thames for fast reaching. The 
Cetonia, we take it, was not doing quite her best, whilst Gwen- 
dolin never sailed better, and had she been lucky enough to have 
shared in the breeze that took Corinne away from her at mid^ 
night, she would have won. The Elorinda no doubt would have 
given the schooner some trouble had the northerly wind held ; 
but of course, when it came to reaching, she had no chance 
against such big schooners. The Hirondelle sailed very well, and 
it was no disgrace for her to be beaten 36 minutes by such a vessel 
as Florinda over an eighty miles course. The Faustina is a 
funny kind of racing craft, but she might find a worthy antag- 
onist in the Harlequin, and we should be inclined to back the 



1 74 ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

latter. We know this is rather hard on the Faustine, but it is 
only right she should be pitted against a vessel she has some 
chance of beating. The three French yachts were sailed re- 
markably well, and everybody was pleased to see a French gen- 
tleman win one of the three prizes. 

Match, from Havre to Southsea, for three prizes. The first 
vessel in to determine the rig of the winner of the first prize. 
Time allowance, twice the E-oyal Albert Yacht Club scale. The 
start to be made underway, and the time each vessel crossed the 
line to be taken and accounted for at the finish ; no time beyond 
fifteen minutes to be allowed for at the start : 

ENGLISH YACHTS. 
YACHT. RIG. TONS. OWNER. 

Cetonia Schooner 202 Mr. W. Turner. 

Gwendoliu .... Schooner 192 Major Ewing. 

Corinne Schooner 165 Mr. N. Wood. 

riorinda Yawl 136 Mr. W. Jessop. 

Hirondelle. . . . Yawl 68 Mr. W. C. Quilter. 

AMERICAN YACHTS. 

Enchantress . . Schooner 320 Mr. J. F. Loubat 

Faustine Schooner 120 Mr. P. Eussell. 

FKENCH YACHTS. 

Mesange Cutter 40 M.Le Dr.leEoy d'Etiolles 

Scapin Cutter 31 M. Leon Baque. 

Comte de Chambord 26 M. E. Cardon. 

At 5 o'clock the club steamer took up a position three miles 
W. N. W. of the Lighthouse on Cape La Heve, forming the line 
for the start. All the yachts were to the southward of the line, 
the Gwendolin, Faustine, Scapin, and Count de Chambord inside 
the bank, close under the Cape, and the others on the leeward 
end of the line. Course : from the line of Cape La Heve to a 
markboat off the Horse Shoal, near Southsea ; about eighty 
miles N. by W. 

At 5.15 the gun was fired for the start, and Hirondelle was 
the first across at 5.20, standing on starboard tack N. W. by N, 
JN,; wind light from N. I^. E. Florinda was the next over 



International Channel Match, I75 

under Hirondelle's lee quarter at 5.22.30, and in the wake of her 
came Cetonia at 5.24.0. The Mesange struck into the latter's 
trail, and crossed tlie line at 5.25 ; and the Enchantress went 
across close after her at 5.26. Then came the Gwendolin in- 
shore and high on their weather at 5. 27, followed by the two 
other Frenchmen and the* Faustine. The Corinne was still 
to the southward, and, standing in on port tack, crossed the line 
about midway at 5.33, so far as we could judge, having thus lost 
thi'ee minutes at the start. 

The wind, as we have said, was light, and flying about a 
great deal, directly after the start altering to N., much to the 
disadvantage of those who had started inshore. Jib topsails 
went up all round, and there was enough heart in the wind to 
send Florinda through Hirondelle's lee half an hour after the 
start. Gwendolin and Corinne, too, were doing well in the light 
breeze, and were gradually creeping up on Enchantress and 
Cetonia — wide on their port beam. At six o'clock the Enchant- 
ress hauled down her fore jib-header, and sent up a wooden- 
headed one, Gwendolin at the same time shifting hers for a 
ballooner, both sticking to main jib-headers. The wind now 
commenced to eastern in earnest, but remained dreadfully light ; 
their heads by 6.15 were up to N. \ W., and this brought Gwen- 
dolin and Corinne from the weather quarter to weather beam of 
Cetonia and weather bow of Enchantress. These four schooners 
seemed pretty evenly matched in the light wind, and if there 
was any difference in their speed Corinne was the fastest, gradu- 
ally eating up to Gwendolin. The wind seemed inclined to free 
them still more, but Cetonia shifted her balloon fore stay- 
sail for a working one, whilst Corinne and Gwendolin thought 
it an occasion for exactly the reverse, and shifted workers for 
ballooners. As the breeze easterned there came a little more 
weight in it, but still it was only of balloon topsail strength, and 
the passage over promised to be a protracted one. At 6.50 all 
could head N. by E. two points above their course, and Enchant- 
ress sent up maintopmast staysail, and Gwendolin shifted No. 2 for 
big reaching jib. Corinne, too, now had a leading wind, went in 



176 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

for a change, and, stowing her jib and jib topsail on the bowsprit, 
hauled up spinnaker, instead for head sail; but we fancied 
Gwendolin reached away from her after she made the change. 
With sheets started, the schooners were marching up to the two 
yawls, and both dandies hauled up a bit to show the former a 
leeward passage. At 7.10, with a beam wind all easterly, 
Gwendolin hauling up maintopmast staysail, burst through 
Hirondelle's lee, and went on in the wake of Florinda, who was 
still a quarter of a mile ahead. Corinne, sending up a balloon 
maintopsail, followed Gwendolin through Hirondelle's lee, and 
both had reached past the Enchantress. The latter now sent up 
main balloon topsail, and Gwendolin main working topsail, the 
sky at present having anything but a pleasant look about it. At 
7.30 Gwendolin went past on Florinda's weather, and became 
the leading vessel, having fairly sailed past everything in the 
fleet. 

But there was a rival for honors close astern of the Gwendo- 
lin in the person of Corinne, and that young lady, with a weight 
of wind in her sails, was luffed out across the stern of Gwendo- 
lin with the idea of passing on her weather. It is much the 
quicker way, as everybody knows, to pass a vessel to windward, 
and Corinne had already been long enough under Gwendolin's 
lee quarter to know she could find no passage to leeward. At 
first it looked as if she could not get past to windward either, 
but presently a fresher breeze took hold of her, and up she 
marched to Gwendolin. Tlie latter, out of politeness or flurry, 
conceded her a weather passage, and so at eight o'clock 
Corinne became a leading vessel. Then Gwendolin, sorry for 
her good nature, hauled up across Corinne's stern, in order to 
repass her if she could, and surely Corinne was bound to yield 
the passage. But Corinne's sailing master has evidently not 
learnt his manners in a high bred French school, and instead of 
taking off his cap and bowing a weather passage to Gwendolin, 
commenced luffing at her savagely. Gwendolin, stung by such 
ingratitude, commenced luffing too, and presently the pair were 
by the wind, heading N. E., the spinnaker of the Corinne's bow- 



International Channel Match, 177 

«prit falling into folds. Still Gwendolin could not get past, 
although she got well nigh abeam, and the wind falling light, 
she gave up the attempt, and as Gwendolin eased her helm 
Corinne did the same, so both bore up to their course N. by W., 
•and were still the leading vessels at 8.30. The wind continued 
to die away, and as the red glare left by the setting sun disap- 
peared the evening became very dark ; but the full moon would 
soon be due, and then the sailing would become prettier. As 
the wind lightened it got round southerly, and at 9.15 Gwendo- 
lin's crew, going to work very quietly, got out main spinnaker to 
starboard, Corinne at the time being under her port beam, 
Florinda and Hirondelle astern, and Cetonia and Enchantress 
away under her lee quarter. Slowly, but surely, Gwendolin 
went past on Corinne's weather, and at 9.30 was again leading 
vessel. Corinne now ran off main boom and set spinnaker, but 
only just in time to prevent Gwendolin getting clear away. 

The wind now got to the westward of south and brought the 
vessels by the lee, and to keep on their course Gwendolin and 
Corinne gybed to port tack at 9.45. The wind came westerly 
very fast, and at ten o'clock it was abeam due west, whilst at 
nine they had it abeam easterly. The westerly wind brought 
a smart shower of rain, but by half-past ten the sky had cleared, 
and the bright fall moon showed up all the vessels. Gwendo- 
lin, with Corinne on her port (weather) beam, was still leading, 
and Cetonia and Enchantress were broad on their weather 
quarter ; whilst Florinda and Hirondelle were dragging along 
in the wake of Corinne. At eleven o'clock all were in a 
roaring calm, with noontide heat. Then a little air came from 
S. S.W., which brought about a squaring of booms, and Gwendo- 
lin set fore spinnaker, reserving her main for a probable gybe in 
the course of a few minutes. 

They lay with very little motion up to 11.30, when Corinne 
was seen to take a light breeze abeam westerly, and stole ahead 
of Gwendolin. The latter was not a cable's length from her, 
but was left becalmed, her sails flapping in folds as she yielded 
to the swell. In twenty minutes the Corinne was lost to the 



178 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

rest of the fleet, having sailed clean away with the westerly- 
breeze, and we suppose a greater fluke was never scored. Gwen- 
dolin now, for want of something better to do, set about shifting 
her main balloon topsail, and when that job was completed 
hauled up maintopmast staysail. But it was all to no purpose, 
and one after the other she saw Cetonia and Enchantress steal 
past broad on her weather, and Florinda ranged up abeam. 
They were now about thirty miles from Cape La Ileve, and 
where Corinne was gone no one knew on board the other craft. 

From midnight up to 2 A. m. Gwendolin lay well-nigh be- 
calmed, with Florinda in the same plight, when at that hour a 
light air came out from S.W.; by 2.30 it had increased in 
strength and backed to S. S.W., so spinnakers were got out-— 
Gwendolin setting hers on foremast, and water-sail under main 
boom. Up to four o'clock the wind continued to increase and 
hauled more westerly, and at last, coming out W .S. W., due 
abeam, brought in spinnakers. It was now sunrise, and Corinne, 
that had been lost so many hours, was made out leading five 
miles ahead of Enchantress, on the latter's weather bow, and to 
windward of her course ; two miles under the lee-quarter of the 
Enchantress was the Cetonia, and hnlf a mile under the lee- 
quarter of Cetonia were Gwendolin and Florinda abeam. Scat- 
tered about three miles astern of Florinda were Hirondelle, 
Mesange, Faustine, Comte de Chambord, and Scapin, all having 
closed up during the darkness by bringing up the westerly 

breeze. 

They now had a fine scupper breeze on the port beam, and 
the big Yankee was tearing along with a tremendous burst of 
speed,'' hauling Corinne back to her, and leaving Cetonia and 
Gwendolin fast. , The latter two were carrying a pretty white 
feather in their teeth, and both, we think, were gaining on Cor- 
inne. But Gwendolin was showing the finer speed, and, drop- 
ping Florinda, marched through Cetonia's lee in a way we did 
not expect. It was now really fine sailing, and the cool morning 
breeze refreshed one after the sultry calm of the middle watch. 
Soon the white Culver Cliffs of the Isle of Wight loomed up in 



International Channel Match, ♦ 179 

the bright sunshine, and Enchantress, going as fast perhaps as 
Guinevere could in such a breeze, was rapidly getting hold of 
Corinne. At 6 o'clock, at the eastern end of Sandown Bay, tlie 
Yankee was within a half a mile of the Cowes boat ; but the 
latter was making a bold light of it, and her fine speed was 
bound to carry her home the victress. But Corinne, after her 
good fortune of the night, was now about to get her turn of ill 
luck, and we must admit it was rather a severe one when it came. 
At 6.45 Enchantress went past on her weather, and gave her 
such a shake up that when she filled again down came lier fore 
and main topmasts, spinnaker on bowsprit breaking, the fore one 
and main ballooner and main topmast staysail the other. Worse 
than this, the balloon topsail yard fell across the main gaff, and 
smashed that; so Corinne was indeed in trouble. However, with 
all the wreck hanging about her — it was impossible to clear it 
whilst under way — spinnaker was cut adrift altogether — she kept 
her course for the channel between the J^orman and Horse 
Shoal, the Yankee clipper going clean away. Gvvendulin im- 
mediately stowed jib-topsail and hauled down main topmast stay, 
sail, determined to risk no spar- breaking now her chance of win- 
ning was over. Cetonia, however, continued to drng hers along, 
but it was doing her little good, as Gwendolin continued to gain 
a trifle on her the whole way in to the winning Markboat. But 
little else need be said concerning the match ; Enchantress con- 
tinued to extend her lead when once past Corinne, and the lat- 
ter, in her crippled state, was yet able to keep the prize for her- 
self. The yachts passed the winning mark, and were timed by 
the Secretary of the Royal Albert Yacht Club, as under : 

• 

H. M. S. H. M. S. 

Enchantress 7 21 40 Hirondelle 8 48 35 

Corinne 7 33 20 Faustine 9 126 

Gwendolin 7 53 15 Mesange 9 23 10 

Cetonia 7 53 56 Scapin 9 36 30 

Florin'da 8 12 45 Count de Chambord. .9 49 50 

The Corinne won the silver images, the Florinda the silver 
salver, and the Mesange the Royal Albert Cup. The Mesange 



i8o A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

also won a prize, value £12, for the first French yacht in ; and 
and Scapin an £8 prize for second French yacht. 



HunVs TacTiting Magazine, London, September, 1874. 
THE YA.CHT CLUB DE FKANCE. 

It certainly appears a curious liberality on the part of our 
friends across the Channel to offer two prizes, amounting to £400 
for a race from France to England. If it was not that they bribe 
the yachts of "perfidious Albion" largely, to visit their coasts, 
and entertain them hospitably when they get them there, we 
might be inclined to suspect that the liberal prizes were given in 
order to get quit of them ; but as this is not the case, we must 
conclude that they are only "speeding the parting guest." 
Another curious part of the proceeding is that the starting time 
should be fixed for so late an hour as 4 p. m., which makes sail- 
ing all night a necessity. But, whilst we wonder at their ar- 
rangements, we admire their generosity. 

The yachts were carefully towed out of the harbor at 8 a. m., 
and had to drop their anchors and wait patiently until the start- 
ing hour, which, as the sailing committee and their friends were 
anxious to secure a substantial feast before venturing on the 
treacherous ocean, was delayed until 5 h. 15 m. p. m. Like most 
ocean matches this one had the usual amount of fluking, and was 
a very excited affair, excepting just at the finish, when owing to 
the wholesale smashing on board the Corinne, some degree of 
excitement took place. The Gwendolin was very unlucky, and 
the Corinne got hers and her own luck, whilst the Cetonia 
seemed quite out of form, and did not sail in the style we know 
she is capable of. The Hirondelle surprised us by the manner 
in which she went, and had she not carried away her spinnaker 
boom at a critical period of the race, might have even saved her 
time on Florinda. Of the Americans the Faustine cut up very 
badly, and she certainly can have very little claim to being con- 
sidered a racing vessel ; and the Enchantress, although reaching 



International Channel Match, 1 8 1 

very fast, could do nothing beating to windward in a light 
breeze. Daring the night the Corinne got away from every- 
thing else whilst they were becalmed, sailing very fast indeed, 
and with gojd luck just before the finish, won from the En- 
chantress with something in hand, notwithstanding that she lost 
both topmasts and main-gaff at one fell swoop. 

The conditions and entries were: — Match from Havre to 
Southsea for three prizes. The first vessel in to determine 
the rig of the winner of the first prize. Time allowance, twice 
the Royal Albert Yacht Club scale. The start to be made 
underway, and the time each vessel crossed tlie line to be taken 
and accounted for at the finish; no time beyond fifteen minutes 
to be allowed for at the start : — 

Numbered as in Hunt's Universal Yacht List, for 1874. 

NO. NAME OF YACHTS. RIG. TONS. OWNERS. 

264. .Cetonia (English) . ..Schooner. . 202 . .W. Turner, Esq. 

841 . . G wendolin " Schooner . . 192 . . Major E wing 

340. .Corinne " . . ..Schooner. . 165 . .N. Wood, Esq. 

683..Fiorinda ** ....Yawl . . 136 . . W. Jessop, Esq. 

924. .Hirondelle *• . . ..Yawl . . 68 . .W. C. Quilter, Esq. 
. .Enchantress (Amer'n).. Schooner. . 320 ..J. F. Loubat, Esq. 
..Faustine " ..Schooner.. 120 ..J. P. Eiissell, Esq. 

. . Mesange (French) . . Cutter . . 40 . . M. Le Dr. le Koy d'Etiolles 
..Soapin *' ..Catter .. 31 . . M. Leon Baque 

. .Comte de Chambord . .Cutter . . 26 . .M. E. Cardon 
The Hirondelle was the first across the line at 5 h. 18 m., with 
Florinda next, whilst the Corinne was last, losing some two or 
three minutes at the start. The wind was very light and shifty, 
but coming in little gusts from the north and north-east, and 
balloon sails were set to make the most of it whilst it lasted. 
Soon the wind got a little stronger, and with more east in it the 
yachts had it pretty free, and the G wendolin picked them all 
lip, and at half-past seven was leading vessel. But the Corinne 
lufiing up, unopposed by the Gwendolin, went out on her 
weather, and passed her ; then the Gwendolin tried to do the 
same, but without the same success, as the Corinne luffed up 
very hard, and both were standing away from their course. But 
the Gwendolin at last got her spinnaker out again, and, bearing 



1 82 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

away, got past the Corinne and once more was leading vessel. 
After this the wind came so far round that a jibe was necessary, 
and about eleven p. m. all lay becalmed. 

The first to feel the wind again was the Corinne, which just 
before midnight got a breeze all to herself, and actually ran 
clean out of sight of every vessel in the race. Until two a.m. 
the others were lying as still as if at moorings, when a nice breeze 
sprung up from southwest, which, backing more southerly, came 
stronger, and with a beam wind the yachts were bowling along at 
fair speed. At daybreak the Corinne was leading by about five 
miles, but with just the wind to suit her, the Enchantress was 
picking her up like a race horse following a dray horse; but the 
former was so far ahead that she was certain to get in within 
her time, let the American sail ever so fast. A little before 
seven o'clock the Enchantress over-hauled her, and passing on 
her weather took the wind from her, and as the wind once more 
filled the unfortunate Corinne's sails, down came both topmasts, 
the topsail-yard falling with such force on the main-gaff as to 
break it in two. Of course it was no use stopping to pick up 
the pieces, so the wreck was cut adrift, and the Corinne held her 
course, winning the first prize notwithstanding her accident. 
The time of arrival off Southsea was : 

H. M. S. H. M. s. 

Enchantress 7 21 40 Hirondelle 8 48 35 

Corinne 7 33 20 Faustine 9 1 26 

Gwendolin 7 53 15 Mesange 9 23 10 

Cetonia 7 53 56 Scapin 9 36 30 

Florinda 8 12 45 C.de Chambord 9 49 50 

The Corinne took the first prize, value £320 ; the Florinda 
the second, value £80; the Mesange the Albert cup, also £12 
prize for first French yacht ; and the Scapin the £8 prize for 
second French yacht. The Gwendolin stowed flying jib and 
main staysail on seeing the Corinne's accident, and appeared to 
sail all the faster for the change. The Enchantress went past 
the winning flag-boat at a great speed, and with all her canvas 
set was a sight not easily forgotten. 



CHAPTER X. 



THE PRINCE OF WALES'S CHALLENGE CUP EACE. 

ROYAL YAOHT Sl^UADRON OFFICIAL PflOaRAMS. 

TIME ALLOWANCE FOR YACHTS SAILING FOR THE PRINCE OP 

WALES CHALLENGE CUP. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1874. 



M. S. M. S. 

:Eiicliantress, 320, allows Shark. .23 48 Shark, 201, allows Egeria. .9 48 

" Egeria.. 33 36 



1874. 
KOYAL YACHT SQUADRON REGATTA, ON THURSDAY, AUG. 6. 



CHALLENGE CUP, THE GIFT OF H. R. H., THE PRINCE OF WALES. 



. For all American and British schooners and yawls of 100 
tons and upwards. Yawls to have half their tonnage added. 
All jaclits to be measured by a person appointed by the Sailing 
•Committee of R. Y". S., according to Thames measurement. 
Time allowance, 12 seconds per ton. No restriction as to 
hands, canvas, or boats ; in other respects the R. Y. S. Sailing 
Regulations to be adhered to. 



184 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

COURSE : 

From Cowes round the Light Yessel on the Shambles, and 
back round the Nab, leaving both Light Vessels on the port hand 
(passing to the Southward of the Isle of Wight), winning between 
Cowes Castle and a Flagboat moored in the Roads, keeping- 
outside all the buoys and marks on the shoals extending from^ 
the Island Shore (Peel and Princess included), except the Mid- 
dle and Sturbridge. 

TO START UNDER weigh: 

Three to start or no race. To start at a. m. 

Shark, - - 201. Duke of Rutland. 

Egeria, - - 152. J. Mulholland, Esq. 

Enchantress, - 320. J. F. Loubat. 



Mark Boat Off Castle — Union Jack. 
MARK BOAT OFF CASTLE, TWO LIGHTS HORIZONTAL BY NIGHT. 

PREPARATIVE. 

The owner of any vessel winning a prize, will be required 
before the prize is delivered, to sign a declaration that the Sail- 
ing Regulations have been strictly conformed to. 

Richard Grant, Secretary. 



BelVs Life in London^ London^ August 8, 1874. 

Cowes, Friday, August 17, {hy telegraph.) 

The Challenge Cup, presented by H. R. H. the Prince of 
Wales, for all American and English schooners and yawls of 
100 tons and upwards; yawls to have half their tonnage added; 
course from Cowes round the Shambles Lightship and back 
round the Nab to Cowen ; time race ; Thames measurement ; 
allowance 12 sec. per ton ; no restriction as to hands, canvas,. 
or boats ; the cup to be won three times by the same vesseL 



The Prince of Wales s Challenge Cup Race, i85 

The holders were— Egeria 1870, Aline 1871, Gwendolin 1872, 
Egeria 1 873. The entries this year were : — 

YACHT. RIG. TONS. OWNER. 

Egeria (holder) Schooner. .152. .J. Mulholland, Esq. 

Shark (challenger) Sahooner . . 201 . . Dake of Rutland. 

Enchantress (do American) . Schooner. .320. , J. F. Loubat. 

The race was started at 6 a.m. on Friday morning. There 
was a strong breeze from th^e westward, witli a west going tide, 
and each went across tlie line at orun fire under whole lower can- 
vas, the Egeria and Shark with housed topmasts, the Enchant- 
ress having maintopmast on end. It was a dead beat down to 
the Keedles, and from the first, the Enchantress justified the 
remarks which have been passed on her, that her weatherly 
qualities are far inferior to the English vessels. Tliere was but 
Ittle sea, of course, in the Solent, but she did not care, even 
with a breeze fresh enough for lioused topmasts and second jibs,. 
to turn about, and under the north shore was hanging from 
five to ten minutes in the wind. The Egeria and the Shark both 
under the circumstances weathered her, and it looked as though 
she would have a rough Channel passage, as when full and be- 
fore gathering way fairly wallowing down until waist deep, in 
fact, buried up to the skylights. The Egeria and Shark were 
meanwhile spinning to windward in a manner that made the 
American's lee berth a more extended one every minute. 



The Fields London, Avgust 8, 187i- 

The match round the Shambles was started this morning at 
six o'clock. The starters were Egeria, Shark and Enchantress. 
It was a dirty-looking morning, a S.W. wind blowing, with rain. 
The Enchantress started with housed topmasts, and, as the yachts 
would most likely fetch right out to the Shambles, she will prob- 
ably come in a long way ahead. The match will not be con- 
cluded before evening ; but the Egeria weathered the Enchant- 
ress on the second board. The latter then carried away her jib* 



1 86 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

iboom, and hove to for the purpose of reefing her mainsail. After 
.getting under way again she was catching Egeria ; off Kewtown 
fihe carried away her forestay, and returned to Cowes. Shark 
also gave up, so Egeria sailed over the course alone. 



The Daily News, London, August 10, 1874. 
ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON REGATTA. 

Co WES, Saturday Evening. 

In consequence of the series of mishaps to the Enchantress, 
American schooner, from whom so much had been expected, the 
race for the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup was virtually de- 
<jided on Saturday morning, but still there w^as just the bare pos- 
sibility that the Egeria might not be able to complete the course. 
The Enchantress fell early into difficulties, for off Yarmouth she 
lost her jibboom ; off Sconce Point her jib tack went; and off 
the east buoy of the Shingles away went her forestay. "With 
these accumalated casualties there was nothing left for her but 
to return to her anchorage at Cowes. After getting through the 
Needles Passage, the Egeria met the Channel tide, and took in 
sail, and on the return from the Shambles Light made easy sail, 
and arrived at Cowes at 11.50 p.m. Thus the Egeria became the 
absolute winner of the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup, having 
won it three times, though not in consecutive years, as was orig- 
inally the conditions of the race. These terms were looked up- 
on as very hard ones, for if they had been adhered to the Cup 
would doubtless have remained as a challenge for all time, and 
this being represented to the Prince of Wales, the original con- 
ditions were modified, and instead of it being required that the 
same yacht should win it tln^ee years in succession, it was altered 
itO" allow any yacht to take it who had won it on three seperate 
occasions. This good fortune has fallen to the lot of the Egeria; 
but during the whole time that the prize has been instituted there 
was always a difficulty in getting yacht-owners to start for it, as 
there was only a very problematical prospect of getting anything 



The Prince of Wales s Challenge Cup Race, 187 

for their pains, and in consequence of the course taken few per- 
sons ever had an opportunity of witnessing it, inasmuch on every 
former occasion the greater part of the race was done in tlie 
darkness of the night. The following is the order of winners of 
this prize:— In 1870, by the Egeria; 1871, by the Aline; 1872, 
by the Gwendolin; and in lb73 and 1874, by the Egeria. 

The Shark after having gone far enough bore up for home, the 
Duke of Kutland having merely entered for the purpose of 
making up the conditional three starters. Ere Yarmouth was 
reached the Enchantress was upwards of a mile to leeward of 
the Egeria, and hereabout some of her innumerable stays of 
head-gear gave out, and the jibboom was (tarried away. She 
was pitching badly enough even here, but what sort of a figure 
«he would have cut at St. Albans must be left to conjecture. 
The question was, however, quickly set at rest, through the 
vessel bearing up, and running back for Cowes, where she arrived 
about 9 o'clock, her standing jib-stay having apparently given 
out. as the foremast looked to have come aft. The Egeria, con- 
sequently hauled down reefs, and sailed over the course by her- 
self, her owner thus becoming possessor of the Prince of Wales's 
Cup. 

Tlie Fields London, August 15, 1874. 
ROYAL YACHT SQUADEON. 

We stated last week that the American yacht Enchantress, 
after a series of mishaps, was obliged to return to Cowes. At 
the time Enchantress bore up off Hurst, having carried away 
her forestay, Egeria was a good mile and a half out on her 
weather, and holding a much better wind than the American 
yacht. The Egeria had lost some time through the clew of 
her jib bursting out, and having thereby to shift jibs. 

The Egeria passed out through the N'eedles at 8 a. m., 
and, with the wind strong at W. S. W., had well nigh a dead 
beat of something like thirty miles before her. There was a 
big sea on, but Egeria, snugged down to double-reefed main- 



1 88 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

sail (foresail stowed), reefed staysail, and small jib, jogging 
along easily, was making excellent weather of it. She weath- 
ered the Shambles Lightship at 3.55 p. M., having worked 
down by long leg on port tack and short one on starboard off 
shore. For the run up Channel to the Nab, foresail was set,, 
but no other change made, and she made the Lightship at the 
eastern end of the island at 10 p. m. Cowes was reached at 
11.50, and Egeria at midnight let go her anchor in the Roads. 
The Egeria won the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup in 1870,, 
beating the Guinevere, cfec. ; she again won it last year, beat- 
ing the Morna. Having again won it tliis year, she has com- 
plied with the conditions of the donor, and won it three times. 
Mr. Mulholland thus becomes the winner of the cup. 

The prize was originally offered as an inducement to get 
the American yachts to compete against those of England, but 
up to the time the Enchantress entered no American had com- 
peted for it. Everyone seems rejoiced that the cup is finally 
disposed of, and we assume that challenge cups are not popular- 



Hunt's Yachting Magazine^ London^ September^ 1874. 

August 7th: — The race for the Prince of Wales's Challenge 
Cup was to have have been sailed round the Shambles to-day but 
the request of the Egeria it was postponed for a day in order ta 
allow her to prepare for the fight. 

August 8th. — The race round the Shambles for the Prince of 
Wales's Challenge Cup was started at six o'clock in the morning^ 
the only entries being x-^ 

Numbered as in HunVs Universal Yacht List for 1874, 

No. Names of Yachts. Kig. Tons. Owner. Builders- 

542 Enchantress Schooner 320 J. F. Loubat, Esq. 

492 Egeria Schooner 152 J. Malholland,Esq., m.p. WanhilL 

2105 Shark Schooner 201 Duke of Eutland. Wanhill 

The Egeria got away first, and the Enchantress, slow in stays^ 
lost some time; but when she got really set going she began to- 



The Prince of Wales\ Challenge Cup Race, 189 

pick up the Egeria, when her jibboom carried away. After 
getting the wreck in she began to overhaul the Egeria ; but 
before getting to Hurst Castle her f orestay parted, and, after 
nearly losing her mast, she had to run back to Cowes. The 
Shark gave up soon afterwards, and so the Egeria sailed over 
the course, and claimed the cup, which, as she had won it twice 
before, is now her property. 



CHATPER XI. 



ME. LOUBAT'S FIEST EUKOPEAN CHALLENGE, 



The Times, London, August 14, 1874. 

Should it be agreeable to any member of an organized 
European yacht club, owning a yacht of at least 300 tons R. T. 
Y. C. measurement, to sail a match for a hundred guinea cup 
with the Enchantress over the Prince of Wales's Challenge cup 
course, according to the rules, regulations, and time allowance 
established for the said course, Mr. J. F. Loubat will be happy 
to sail any such match in July next, the race to be sailed on the 
day appointed without regard to wind or weather. This offer is 
to remain open until the 15th day of September. 



BelVs Life in London, London, August 15, 1874. 
INTERNATIONAL YACHT CHALLENGE. 

To the Editor of BelVs Life in London, 

Sir : Should it be agreeable to any member of an organized 
European Yacht Club, owning a yacht of at least 300 tons, R. T. 
Y. C. measurement, to sail a matcli, for a one hundred guinea 



Mr, Loubafs First European Challenge, 1 9 1 

cup, with the Enchantress, over the Prince of Wales's Challenge- 
Cup course, according to the rules, regulations, and time allowance 
established for said course, I shall be most happy to sail any- 
such match in July next. The race to take place on the day 
appointed without regard to wind or weather. This offer re- 
mains open until the 15th day of September, 

Yours, &c. J. F. LouBAT. 

Cowcs, August 12, 1874. 



The Field, London August 15, 1874. 
THE AMERICAN YACHT ENCHANTRESS, 

Although it is contrary to our custom to insert challenges, 
we give the inclosed, as it relates to a matter of international in- 
terest: 

Sir: — Should it be agreeable to any member of an organized' 
European yacht club, owning a yacht of at least 300 tons, E. T. 
Y.C. measurement, to sail a matcli for a one hundred guinea cup 
with the Enchantrsss, over the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup 
Course, according to the rules, regulations, and time allowance 
established for said course, I shall be most happy to sail such a 
match in July next. 

The race to take place on the day appointed, without regard 
to wind or weather. 

This offer remains open until the 15th day of September. 
Cowes, August 12, 1874. J. F. Loubat, 

Yacht Enchantress, N.Y.Y.C. 



The Evening Express, New York, August 15, 1874. 



PLUCKY MR. LOUBAT. 



There was some good sailing with the fleet-winged vessels^ 
abroad, across the Channel, and the Enchantress made good time 



192 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

displayed excellent sea-going qualities, and her enterprising own- 
er did not lose heart in tlie contests nor faith in his boat because 
the sail makers were employed in repairing her canvas and the 
spar-makers on her spars after the race. The true spirit of an 
American yachtsman is dominant in Mr. Loubat's composition ; 
he represents the New York Yacht Club, and the spirit which 
sent the Henrietta, Vesta, and Fleetwing over to England in an 
ocean race, and tlie Sappho and Dauntless, afterward, into for- 
eign waters in racing trim, is well supported by Mr. Loubat's 
challenge to all other clubs. Tlie Enchantress is to sail against any 
yacht club in Europe for a one hundred guinea cup, the race to 
take place next July. There is time enough for the entries, and 
the course chosen is the Prince of Wales's cup course, so that the 
stranger who throws his gauntlet into the face of the foreign 
yachtsmen gives them the privilege of sailing the race over their 
own favorite track. We may justly admire Mr. Loubat's pluck, 
and may trust that the competing vessels may be worthy of the 
Enchantress — that it maybe a fair race and a good one, and that, 
if defeated, Mr. Loubat may console himself with tlie fact that 
his courage brought him a good contestant, and he suffers no dis- 
grace by a defeat fairly accomplished. 




THE "ENCH 



From the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic I^ews, London, Saturday, August 




I ESS." 
74. 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE ENCHANTRESS IN ENGLAND. 



THE FLY-AWAY. 

Have you seen the fish with a great long tail ? 

The fish that tried to make the " Enchantress " sail ; 

She went across to France, on purpose for to win, 

Where she got severely beaten by the little yacht " Corinne." 



CHORUS : 



Have you seen the fish with a great long tail, 
A little wiggle waggle, a winkle or a whale ? 

She tried again, this day, the challenge cup to catch, 
But found, to his surprise, that the " Egeria " was his match, 
So home he had to run, with his great long tail, 
Followed by the " Shark " a winkle, or a whale. 

Have 3'ou seen tlie fish, &c. 

Now back to Yankee Land this fish will have to go. 
Where he can calculate, and guess, and bounce, and blow 
And tell his fellow-countrymen what folly he has seen. 
In coming o'er to England, on purpose for to win. 

Have you seen the fish, <fer». 



194 -^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

THE YANKEE BOAT. 



O, if you listen, I will sing a little ditty 

Of that Yankee boat that came across the sea, 

Which caused a great to do throughout the country, 
Excitement, and great anxiety. 

Chorus. — So attention pay. 
To what I say. 

And of this Yankee boat you soon shall hear. 
For you see she came across the ocean. 
From that noted place that is called America. 

Now they sent her to old England for improvement, 
Which of course she has been and boldly done her part; 

For she's shown them all a wrinkle in the channel. 
Like a little fish away from them did dart. — Chorus, 

Now that noted little yacht that's called Cetonia, 
Which was thought to be the order of the day; 

But this Yankee boat she caused them for to wonder. 
When from her she boldly marched away. — Chorus, 

Kow this long tail fish that came across the ocean. 
It takes a swifter fish than the shark for him to catch; 

And, if he hadn't lost his little nosegay. 

Egeria would not seen the way he went. — Chorus, 

Now the owner has just sent out a challenge. 
But there's something I can scarcely understand, 

For those noblemen that thought she was a duffer — 
But still they haven't the nerve to try their hand — 

[^Chorus. 

Now the rumor was this Yankee boat had foundered, 

And gone to the bottom of the sea; 
But I am happy to inform you she is still reigning. 
And they will find her a torment still to be. — Chorus. 

Now, with all the advice that I have given. 

Of this Yankee boat I hope you understand; 
And I guess she'll give our racers all a licking 

Before she goes home to Yankee land. — Chorus, 



The Enchantress in England, ipS 

The Field, London, October 10, 1874. 
A SEASON YACHT KACING. 

V y^ ^ ^ ^ vF ^|f 

But the achievements of the English yachts were completely 
-eclipsed by the performances of the American yacht Enchan- 
tress, and she certainly did earn a distinction no English yacht 
-could make claim to, although not in the way expected. She 
appears to have been a moderately good vessel, as originally 
built ; but some improvements, wrought upon her by her de- 
signer, turned her into a regular laughing-stock. That she is 
very fast with the wind well on the quarter, there is no deny- 
ing, and in the Havre- Southsea match passed the Corinne 
{35ft. shorter on the load line) in pretty much the same way that 
the Guinevere or Livonia could. But it was not on this point 
of sailing that her performances were eccentric, nor in going 
before the wind, but in beating to windward. She took 
nearly as long to stay as a coal brig, and then was not certain of 
doing it, and when her sheets were hauled aft, in a breeze at sea 
she tumbled about so that it was next to impossible to sail her. 
Lead ballast — to the tune of seventy tons we believe — has made 
her capable of standing up much better in a breeze, and it is 
just as likely she would come out and repeat the Sappho- 
Cambria performance if any small vessel were matched against 
her over an open course. The American papers repudiated the 
notion that she is an "American j^acht ;" but one inhabitant of 
the United States, more generous than his . compatriots, came 
forward and claimed her — defects and all. Englishmen ought 
certainly to be grateful for this; for it is quite bad enough to 
have to bear with all our own failures, without having to stand 
sponsors to those we have had nothing to do with. 



The Evening Post, New York, November 24, 1874. 
AMERICAN YACHTS IN FOREIGN WATERS. 



THE EXPLOITS OF THE ENCHANTRESS. 

Yankee clippers and American sewing machines have become 



196 A Yachtsfnans Scrap Book, 

pretty well-known all the. world over. The dearest wish of the 
manufacturers of the latter article, that no family should be with- 
out a sewing machine, is gradually accomplishing itself. In the 
mean time we have given our English cousins "some new wrinkles'* 
in the matter of yacht-building. Witness the Sappho and other 
American boats built for purposes of speed. There is now-a-day& 
scarcely a yacht race of any importance in European waters but 
Brother Jonathan is sure to put his keel into it. Even "Mossoo" 
as represented by the Yacht Club^'of France, cannot get up a 
quiet little International Channel Race with the sons of perfidious 
Albion but the inevitable Yankee must needs assist. At the 
match from Havre to Southampton, a distance of about eighty- 
three miles, held under the auspices of the Ya^ht Club of France 
on the 27th of July last, for prizes amounting to £400, there 
were ^^^q entries of English yachts, of which we give only the 
schooners, and two entries of American yachts : — 

ENGLISH YACHTS. 
RIG. TONS. OWNERS. 

Cetonia, Schooner 202 Mr. W. Turner. 

Gwendolin *' 192 Major Ewing. 

Corinne " 165 Mr. N. Wood. 

AMERICAN YACHTS. 

TONS. OWNERS. 

Enchantress 320 J. F. Lonbat. 

Faustine 120 Mr. P. Russell. 

' It will be seen that the contest was substantially between 
English and American yachts, for the Frenchmen had entered 
three small cutters of twenty- six, thirty-five and forty tons re- 
spectively. "Mossoo" in fact organized a little yachting enter- 
tainment for the benefit of his foreign friends. Individually 
"Mossoo" much prefers Les Grandes Eaux de Yer sallies. At 5 
o'clock p. M., the club steamer took up a position three miles W. 
N.W. of the lighthouse, on Cape La Heve, forming the line 
for the start. The Enchantress went across the line at 5:26, and 
the Gwendolin at 5:27, followed by the Faustine, the Corinne 
being the last at 5:33. At 11 o'clock the yachts all found them- 



The Enchantress in England. 197 

fielves becalmed thirty miles from Cape La Heve. The Gwendolin 
with the Corinne on her port (weather) beam, was leading, and 
the Cetonia and the Enchantress were broad on their weather 
quarter. They lay thus becalmed till 11:30, when the Corinne 
was seen to take a light breeze abeam westerly, and stole away 
from the Gwendolin. The latter was not a cable's length from 
her, but got no wind, her sails flapping in folds as she lay almost 
motionless on the water. In twenty minutes the Corinne was 
lost to the rest of the fleet, as she sailed off with the westerly 
breeze. A greater "fluke" was never scored. At sunrise the 
Oorinne was leading five miles ahead of the Enchantress, on the 
latter's weather bow and to windward of her course. They now 
had a fine breeze, and the Enchantress went flying along, rapidly 
overhauling the Corinne and leaving all the others behind. At 
^:4:5 the Enchantress went past the Corinne on her weather, and 
^ave her such a shake up that when her sails filled again down 
'Came her fore and main topmasts. She kept on her course for 
the channel between the Noman and Horse Shoal, the Tankee 
clipper going clear away. The yachts passed the "winning 
mark" as follows: — 

H. M. S. H. M. S. 

Enchantress 7 21 40 Gwendolin 7 53 15 

Corinne 7 33 20 Faustina 9 1 23 

The Corinne, of one hundred and sixty-five tons, was entitled 
to time from the larger yacht, and won the first prize, namely, 
two silver statues of gladiators, from models by J. L. Gerome 
{Institut de France) estimated at £320 in value. 

The performance of the Enchantress was on this occasion 
Tery remarkable, and shows what she can do in a stiff breeze. 
From sunrise till twenty-one minutes past 7, a not very long 
period, on the morning of the 27th of July, she gained more 
than five miles on the Corinne, and came in ahead — thus more 
than making up all the time she had lost in the calm. The own- 
<%v of the Enchantress was so well pleased with her performances 
that we find the following challenge in the columns of the lead- 



198 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

ing English sporting paper, the Fields in its number of August 
15, last: 

" THE AMERICAN YACHT ENCHANTRESS. 

" Although it is contrary to our custom to insert challenges,, 
we give the enclosed, as it relates to a matter of international 
interest : 

" Sir : — Should it be agreeable to any member of an organ- 
ized yacht club, owning a yacht of at least 300 tons JR. T. Y. C. 
measurement, to sail a match for a one-hundred guinea cup with 
the Enchantress over the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup course,- 
according to the rules and regulations and time allowance estab- 
lished for said course, I shall be most happy to sail such a match 
in July next. The race to take place on the day appointed,, 
without regard to wind or weather. 

" This offer remains open until the 15th day of September. 
"CowES, August 12, 1874. 

" J. F. LOUBAT, 

*^ Yacht Enchantress, N. Y. Y. C."- 

This challenge was not taken up. 

Mr. Loubat bought the yacht Enchantress from Mr. George 
Lorillard,who had her built in this country after a model of Robert 
Fish. At the close of the yachting season of 1873, in Ameri- 
can waters, Mr. Loubat went abroad, his yacht having preceded 
him ; and during the last winter he engaged the services of Mr. 
Fish to superintend and direct the alterations he proposed mak- 
ing on her. She was lengthened and otherwise improved at ans 
expense of more than twenty thousand dollars. These altera- 
tions were made in England. 

When the Enchantress appeared in English waters as a debw 
iante this last season, she was the subject of a good deal of com- 
ment in yachting circles, and was criticised in a not unkindly^ 
spirit by the leading English sporting papers, including the- 
Field, which was impartial till some considerable time after the 
challenge of the Enchantress. But, in an article in the Field of 
October 11, 1874, entitled "A Season's Yacht Racing", the: 



The Enchantress in England, 1 99 

writer goes considerably out of his way to criticise the Enchan- 
tress in a spirit which, if not directly dictated by an unfriendly 
feeling, is certainly in the very worst of taste, more especially 
(to use his own words, and his own reason for printing the chal- 
lenge), as it relates to a matter of international interest." While 
the challenge of the Enchantress remained unanswered it would, 
perhaps, have been more graceful — certainly more delicate — had 
these criticisms been left unwritten. The article winds up in 
the following words : 

" The American papers repudiated the notion that she is ^ an 
American yacht .' But one inhabitant of the United States, 
more generous than his compatriots, came forward and claimed 
her, defects and all. Englishmen ought certainly to be grateful 
for this, for it is quite bad enough to have to bear with all our 
own failures, without having to stand sponsors to those we have 
had nothing to do with." 

We very much doubt if these playful sneers in any manner 
represent the true sentiments of English yachtsmen, and we are 
quite certain that the Field is not commissioned to speak for 
"American papers." 

The Field, London, October 17, 1874. 

The Enchantress, Mr. J. F. Loubat, arrived here on Monday 
from the eastward. Although there can be no doubt that she did 
not this season turn out such a success as was expected, yet Mr. 
Fish, her constructor, is still sanguine of beating the crack yachts 
of England, and openly states that before returning to America 
Mr. Loubat's yacht will beat the whole of our English yachts. 



The Hampshire Advertiser, Southampton, October 17, 1874. 

Mr. Loubat's schooner Enchantress is being stripped, and will 
go on the mud in a few days to lay up for the winter. Mr. Fish, 
her designer, is very sanguine that, without any alterations, he 
will be able next season to beat all the English yachts, and with- 



200 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

out prejudice to the talents of our English builders, we should 
not be surprised if his prognostication was to turn out correct. 
We perfectly recollect the Cambria and Sappho matches, and 
how we who were believers in the Cambria were surprised to see 
the Sappho beat her in the way she did, not but that the Sappho 
was as big again as the Cambria, but then we all thought that 
in beating to windward she would be beaten so much by the 
Cambria that in the run home the Sappho would be unable to 
catch her. Recollecting this and also the fact that Mr. Fish, 
who made the Sappho what she is, has the Enchantress in hand 
and that on her his reputation in a great measure rests, we shall 
be very chary of giving an opinion against her. 



The Field, London, October 31, 1874. 
THE ENCHANTEESS. 



Sir: — In The Field of the ITth inst. it is stated under head of 
^^ Yachting Intelligence " that Mr. Fish still maintains that the 
Enchantress will beat all English yachts. 

Those who remember the career of the little Flying Cloud, 
how she carried all before her, beating all the small schooners 
will scarcely doubt that Mr. Fish is right, and that the Enchantress 
will do the same among the large schooners, for she is almost 
an exact model (enlarged) of the Flying Cloud. I do not sup- 
pose that Mr. Fish has ever seen the Flying Cloud dry, or it 
might be said that the Enchantress is a copy of that celebrated 
little clipper. 

In strong breezes (for these long, sharp vessels can do nothing 
in light winds) I do not doubt that the Enchantress will astonish 
the Englishmen. 

Liverpool, Oct. 22. Mersey. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE ENCHANTRESS IN RUSSIA AND IN SWEDEN. 



The Times, London, Julp,1875. 
KING OSGAE AT ST. PETEESBUBG. 



(FBOM AN OCOASIONAIi OOBRBSPONDENT. ) 

St. Peteesbukg, July 18. 
The visit of the King of Sweden is almost ended, as His 
Majesty is to leave Peterhof for Stockholm late to-morrow night. 
I may remind your readers that, what at first sight, considering 
the intricacy of the Cronstadt Channel, might seem an impru- 
dence, is not so in reality, as there is no real night at this season 
in these latitudes. The smallest print can be read with ease in 
the open air at midnight. The close of His Majesty's visit was 
celebrated by a review of some 35,000 troops on Friday, and yes- 
terday there was a grand naval inspection, when almost every 
available thing that could float belonging to the Russian Govern- 
ment was brought into requisition. It was a gloriously fine day, 
with just enough breeze to prevent the hot sun being disagree- 
able. The fleet was anchored in three parallel lines in Cronstadt 
Roads, and consisted of the following vessels: — Ironclads: — 
Peter the Great, 4 guns, l2in. (when she gets them); Sebastopol, 
18 guns, 8in., broadside, frigate; Petropaulovsk, 18 guns, 8in., 



202 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

broadside frigate; Kreml, 16 guns, 8in., floating battery; Per- 
venetz, 14: guns, 8in., floating battery; Admiral Lazareff, 6 guns,, 
9in., in three turrets; Admiral Spiridoff, 4 guns, 9in., 8 in two 
turrets; Smertch, 4 guns, 9in., in two turrets; Tcharodeika. 4 
guns, 9in., in two turrets; Rousalka, 4 guns, 9in., in two turrets;: 
Lava, Latnik, and ^yq other monitors, having a freeboard of 
about 9in., and carrying one 8in. gun in a single turret. Next 
come the Yoievoda and seven other wooden corvettes, variously 
armed; the Rurik and six other paddle vessels, including the 
Emperor's large yacht, the Derjava, which was not used, as she 
was said to be too long to handle with safety in so crowded a. 
roadstead; and the Erch, screw gunboat, and ten others, carrying 
one gun each, of various calibres. 

Besides the above, at the request of the authorities, the 
American ships Franklin and Alaska, the Swedish vessels Yana- 
dis and Blenda, the Norwegian frigate St. Olafl, in which His 
Swedish Majesty came over, and the English Royal Yacht Os- 
borne had positions in about the centre of the lines. The total- 
number of vessels was thus a little over 50, without counting a 
long line of tiny yachts belonging to the Petersburg Yacht Club.. 
Yice-admiral Gregory Boutakov, so well and favorably known 
in England as Naval Attache to the Russian Embassy, and; 
author of the able treatise on Naval Tactics, was really in com- 
mand of the fleet, although the flag of the G-rand Duke Con- 
stantine as Grand Admiral was flying on the Rurik, Rear- Ad- 
mirals Erdmann, Geikung and Pilkin, with Captains Selivanov 
and Drecher, flew their flags and broad pendants, and commanded 
the. various divisions. Yice- Admiral Surdin and Rear- Admiral 
Warden flew their flags on board the Yanadis and Franklin re- 
spectively, and Commander F. Durant was in command of the 
Osborne, which brought the Duke and Duchess of EdinburgL 
hither from England. 

At about noon, the Emperor, the King of Sweden, the Duke 
of Edinburgh, the Grand Duke Constantine, and other members- 
of the Imperial family, with their numerous suites, arrived at 
Cronstadt from the Summer Palace at Peterhof in the yacht; 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden, 203 

Alexandra. After steaming up and down the lines and paying 
visits on board the St. Olaff, the Franklin, and the Petropaulovsk, 
which last was Admiral Bontakov's flagship, the Imperial and 
Royal party returned to Peterhof about 2:30. 

It is needless to say that during the inspection yards were 
manned, that cheers were given and salutes fired in great pro- 
fusion. The orthodox number of cheers on each occasion was 
six from each ship, and the salutes consisted of 31 guns. The 
din was deafening, and, after their manner, the Americans cer- 
tainly contributed more than their fair share. The forts also 
joined in, and some time after each general salute was finished, 
as far as the ships were concerned, far-off booms were heard and 
white wreaths of smoke seen rising from forts apparently miles 
away inland. These same wreaths, too, made their appearance 
in all sorts of odd and unlooked-for spots. Along the coast line, 
where no one would have expected to find batteries, the puffa 
betrayed the existence of many " snakes-in-the-grass." With 
regard to the character and efiiciency of the ironclads, if Rus- 
sian accounts are to be trusted, there is not one that would be 
formidable for five minutes to the Hercules, to say nothing of 
the Thunderer or Devastation. The Peter the Grreat will take 
nearly a year before she can go to sea. She has, as yet, no tur- 
rets whatever, but so desirable was it considered to make a good 
show that, actually, false turrets of wooden scantling were con- 
structed and painted to look like what it is hoped the real ones 
will be some day when their plates are ready and fixed in place. 
She was begun before the Devastation, so I think the little 
" scare " that once existed in English Naval circles about her 
may be considered to be without basis. There were two other 
things to strike an English observer yesterday — one, that the 
seamanship which declined the task of manoeuvring the Derjava 
must be vastly inferior to that which animates the Victoria and 
Albert on similar occasions ; the other, that the Alexandra, the 
yacht which could be manoeuvred, emitted volumes of black 
smoke that would have disgraced a Newcastle collier. 

The Osborne is expected to reach Portsmoth about the mid- 



204 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

die of August, when she will be refitted and decorated for her 
cruise to India with the Prince of Wales. 



BrerUano's Aquatic Monthly, New York, April, 1879. 
THE SCHOONEK-YAOHT ENCHANTRESS. 

The following reminiscence of the long cruise of the Enchan- 
tress, Mr. J. F. Loubat, owner, in European waters, we deem of 
sufficient interest for publication, the more especially as it has 
not previously appeared in print : During the long cruisings of 
the Enchantress she visited the principal ports and capitals of 
the Old World. Wherever she anchored she was received with 
*'all the honors," her generous owner receiving and dispensing 
unstinted hospitalities and courtesies. She was sailed by Captain 
Robert Fish, whose handling of the Sappho, to whom England's 
best lowered their colors, is a matter of yachting history. That 
the Enchantress made a most favorable impression, and caused 
her private signal and the signal of the New York Yacht Club 
to be respected by the yachtingfraternity of distant lands, is as 
true as the fact that Mr. Loubat issued the broadest and boldest 
challenge ever published to the yachtsmen of Great Britain, in 
offering to sail them on their own time allowance and rules, thus 
virtually "handicapping" his yacht's American model materially; 
and yet she was permitted to go into winter quarters without an 
acceptance. The good yacht Enchantress now sails under a 
foreign flag, having been sold in England. 

The following official communication from Gen. Andrews, 
Minister of the United States in Sweden, explains fully the cor- 
dial reception accorded the Enchantress at Stockholm. 

Legation of the United States, ) 
"Stockholm, Sweden, July 29, 1875. 5 

Bon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. : 
Sir : — As indicating the disposition of King Oscar II., to re- 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden, 2o5 

ciprocate attentions, I would state that Mr. J. F. Loubat, of New 
York (but now residing in Paris) having arrived here with his 
remarkably elegant yacht Enchantress, and made an informal 
visit to the King, in company with the Swedish Admiral Lager- 
crantz, he was invited with myself to visit His Majesty on Sun- 
day last, at the palace of Drottningholm, and stay to dinner. 

We went out in the Swedish Government yacht, accompan- 
ied by a small Government steamer, with Admiral Lagercrantz,, 
and by invitation, breakfasted with the King at 1 p.m. Soon 
after, his Majesty accompanied us in an excursion on the same 
yacht on Lake Melar, for three hours or more. Returning to 
Drottningholm, rooms were assigned to Mr. Loubat and myself 
in the palace, and we had the honor of dining with His Majesty 
at 6^ o'clock. The Crown Prince Gustaf, four officers of the 
Household and the Admiral, were of the party on the occasion 
and at dinner. His Majesty took leave of us at about 8 p. m. He 
was, of course, very civil and kind during the day. 

On Monday, His Majesty and the Crown Prince, accompan- 
ied by the Minister of the Marine, Admiral Lagercrantz and 
four officials of the Court, accepted Mr. Loubat's invitation ta 
visit the Enchantress. At about 1 p. m. a fine lunch was served. 
Including Gen. Crawford and Mr. Phoenix (Mr. Loubat's travel- 
ing companions) and myself, there were twelve seated at the 
table in the spacious dining saloon of the yacht. His Majesty 
remained on board upwards of two hours, and the occasion was 
remarkably pleasant. 

Several private dinners have been given to the owner of the 
yacht. He has been made an honorary member of the Royal 
Swedish Yacht Club, and has accepted the King's invitation ta 
be present at the annual review of that club on Sunday next. 

It seems to be understood that the Enchantress is the first; 
American yacht that has visited Stockholm. 

I have the honor to be, etc., etc., 

C. C. Andrews. 



2o6 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

The New York Times, New York, August 9, 1875, 
OUR EUROPEAN SQUADRON. 



NORTHERN CRUISE OF ADMIRAL JOHN L. WORDEN. 



Cordial reception of the American Officers in Germany, Sweden Norway^ 
and Russia — Magnificent Military and Naval Reviews at St. 
Petersburg and Cronstadt. 

From an Occasional Correspondent. 

Crpnstadt, Russia, Tuesday, July 20, 1876. 

In the early part of last May a portion of the American 
squadron now on duty in European waters was ordered to ren- 
dezvous at Yillefranche, near Mce, to make preparations for a 
Summer's cruise along the northern coast of Europe. The ves- 
sels selected for this duty were the Franklin, bearing the flag of 
our old Monitor hero, Rear- Admiral John L. Worden ; the cor- 
vette Alaska, Capt. Carter, and the sloop-of-war Juniata, Com- 
mander S. D. Greene, Worden's First Lieutenant in the memor- 
able action at Hampton Roads. 

Leaving the harbor of Yillefranche May 17, this squadron 
arrived at Gibraltar on the 23d of the same month, and while 
there took part in the festivities on the celebration of the Queen's 
birthday. The officers of the squadron were present, by invi- 
tation on the afternoon of that holiday, at the annual review of 
the garrison upon the famous Neutral Ground, the Admiral 
accompanying the Governor, Sir E.Williams, the heroic defender 
of Kars, of Crimean fame, as reviewing officer. By a somewhat 
curious coincidence, it happened that several of the regiments 
taking part in this display were representatives of the same 
bodies whose regimental numbers figure so prominently in our 
present centennial newspapers. The most noticeable among 
these was the Twenty-third or Royal Welsh Fusiliers, whose 
traditional goat appeared on the ground with his regiment. The 
present incumbent of that time-honored position is a magnificent 
white cashmere animal, presented to the Fusiliers on their return 



The Enchantress in Russia a7td in Sweden, 207 

dfrom the Ashantee campaign by the citizens of Portsmouth. 

^* Billy" had evidently been well drilled, for he marched past the 

reviewing stand with the precision of a veteran, leading his six 

or seven hundred masters with becoming gravity. After the 

review, and during the few days of their stay in port, many 

civilities were exchanged between the navy men and the officers 

of the garrison. The Governor led off with a ball, which was 

followed by dinners on board the flagship and at the various 

regimental mess rooms. The visit, however, was necessarily a 

short one, and, on the 28th of May, the squadron again put to 

sea and the northern cruise proper began^ 

On the 8th of June the squadron arrived off the mouth of 

the Elbe, at Cuxhaven, where the German gunboat Loreley was 

found waiting to receive and convey the Americans to their 

anchorage further up the river. To many of the new comers the 

scene on the lower Elbe presented quite a novel spectacle ; the 

long lines of dikes shutting out the water from the green stretches 

of meadow-land on either side ; the fact of reversing the natural 

order of things so far as to look down to see the surrounding 

country on a level with the vesseFs keel; the first view, in short, 

of a land where 

''People do not live, but go aboard," 

formed a subject of lively discussion. The prevailing sentiment 
in regard to this curious country is best summed up in the words 
of one of the spectators, who hazarded the opinion that "Those 
fellows may think their landscape very fine, but if they ever have 
water scape. Lord help 'em !" The larger vessel being left at 
Gluckstadt, about thirty miles from Hamburg, the rest of the 
squadron proceeded to the city, the Admiral's flag being trans- 
ferred temporarily to the Alaska. 

Nothing could have been more cordial or more flattering 
than the marked attention with which the American visitors, 
were officially received in Berlin. The Ministers of War 
and the Navy entertained the Admiral and his suite at dinner, 
and Mr. Davis having expressed a wish to present the visitors 
to his Highness, the Crown Prince, in the absence of tlie Em- 



2o8 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

peror at Ems, an immediate reply was received inviting the Ad- 
miral and staff to dine at Potsdam on the following day with 
the Prince and his wife, the Princess Royal of England. 

The American guests were received at the so-called "New 
Palace," in Potsdam, built at the close of the Seven Years' War 
by Frederick the Great. The monarch's object in erecting thia 
splendid building was to show his enemies that he still had plenty 
of the sinews of war, though it was only by the greatest efforts 
that he succeeded in obtaining the necessary funds to complete 
the costly pile. The reception of the Americans on this occasion 
was one of the pleasan1?est features of the visit to Germany. The 
Crown Prince and Princess were most cordial in their welcome 
conversing freely with their naval guests and conducting their 
entertainment with gratifying absence of formality. Both ex- 
pressed a good deal of curiosity in regard to the exhibition at 
Philadelphia next year, mingled with hopes for its success, to 
to which the Prince added his regrets at not being able to at— 
tend the great World's Fair. Seventy guests were present at the 
dinner, including Minister Davis and Mrs. Davis, the Admiral 
and staff, and Lord Odo and Lady Pussell, Gen. Dannenberg, CoL 
Lestocq, and other heroes of the late war represented the military 
element. At the close of the banquet, and when the Americana 
were about to retire, they were shown instead through all the 
historical grounds of Potsdam and Sans Souci at the Prince's in- 
vitation, the fountains at the latter resort being played for their 
benefit, and all the sights of the place opened for their inspection 
before the party returned to Berlin. 

Leaving Berlin on the following day, the Admiral 
returned to the squadron and started at once for Kiel, where the 
German iron-clad fleet was awaiting his arrival. This port was 
reached June 24th by the Franklin and Alaska, the Juniata re- 
maining at Hamburg to undergo some repairs. From a military 
point of view, it is difficult to overestimate the value of Kiel in 
its present use as the great naval arsenal of Germany. One can 
hardly wonder that for the sake of such a prize the Prussians 
crossed the Eyder that had been for centuries the boundary line 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden, 209 

dividing them from Denmark. It is perhaps a matter of equal 
surprise that, in its defenseless state during the early part of the 
late war, the French did not seize it. One of the German works 
recently published on the great struggle calls attention to this 
fact, and adds the laconic comment, ' If they had been Yankees 
some would have gone in," a neat tribute to the glories of JN^ew 
Orleans and Mobile Bay. Now that the entrance to the place is 
so well protected — by the great earthworks at Friedrichsort and 
elsewhere, and with torpedoes substituted for the beer casks that 
blocked the channel to the imaginative Bouet Willaumez — an 
attack would be rendered very difficult. As the Americans came 
to anchor in this beautiful harbor, a flood of invitations of all 
kinds was poured on board the Flagship. In spite of the short- 
ness of the visit, the variety of the entertainments offered and 
the hearty welcome from all sides rendered the few days of the 
stay thoroughly enjoyable. The iron-clad squadron, four mag- 
nificent vessels — Konig Wilhelm, Kaiser, Kronprinz and Hansa 
under the command of Admiral Henck, had been detained in 
port several days to participate in the reception of the visitors. 
Admiral Werner, the commandant of the arsenal, whose career 
on the coast of Spain attracted so much attention a few years 
ago, was especially cordial in his welcome. A banquet at hi& 
residence, followed by another on the Flagship Wilhelm, were 
among the first entertainments. During our stay the first 
Schleswig-Holstein musical festival took place at Kiel, and the 
Amencans were invited to attend as guests of honor. With 
the renowned Joachim as leader and Clara Schumann as one of 
the performers the festival proved a great success. It was dur- 
ing a banquet given at the close of these three days of musical 
feast that the Admiral took occasion to express the thanks of the 
squadron for the unexpected warmth and cordiality of the wel- 
come extended to the Americans. In conclusion the speaker 
dwelt upon the valuable qualities of our German citizens at 
home, and spoke of the pleasure he felt in visiting in person the 
former home of some of our best Americans. These expressions 
were received by the assemblage of over 500 guests with enthu- 



2IO A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

siastic applause, the allusion to the distant kinsmen evidently re- 
calling personal associations to many present. 

Leaving Kiel on the 1st of July, the American squadron 
fired the usual national salute on the 5th, amid the beautiful 
cluster of islands that shut out the Venice of the North from the 
open sea. The passage from the Baltic to the city reminds one 
irresistibly of the beautiful Thousand Isles with which so many 
of your readers are familiar. The ships anchored on the evening 
of the 6th at Waxholm, twelve miles below the capital, the chan- 
nel being too intricate to permit of their proceeding further in- 
land. Their arrival was the signal for the immediate appearance 
of the Swedish " mosquito" fleet of light-draft gun-boats, sent 
down from Stockholm to receive the visitors. On the same 
evening, the Koyal yacht Amazon brought down from the cap- 
ital the American Minister, Gen. Andrews, with the message 
that the King had postponed his proposed trip to Russia to greet 
the Americans in person. 

On arriving at Stockholm the party were driven at once to the 
Hoyal Palace. King Oscar, a tall, fine-looking man, somewhat past 
the middle age, appeared in the audience hall as soon as he had 
been notified of the arrival of his guests. His Majesty wore the 
Swedish naval uniform, not only as a compliment to the visitors 
but probably to remind them that in the by-gone times he had 
been "one of them," as his early life was spent in the Swedish 
Navy. Of this his cordial manner left no reason to doubt, his 
greeting being that of a brother ofiicer in a similar service. His 
Majesty expressed much regret at having to leave Stockholm, 
"but," said he, "I have given orders that you shall be received as 
my own guests," and to judge from the result, they obey the 
r6yal mandates tolerably well in Sweden. In reply to a question 
from one of the ofiicers, his Majesty said : "I look forward to 
my trip across the Baltic with great interest, as I am still fond 
of the sea. I like it so much better than this duty." At the 
close of the interview his Majesty replied to the Admiral's fare- 
well by saying that it should be only an axL revoir, as they would 
meet again in Russia. The King left on the same evening for 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden, 2 n 

Oronstadt, but his instructions as to the entertainment of his 
guests were most pleasantly observed. 

Detained at the Waxholm anchorage by unfavorable weather, 
the Franklin and Alaska did not reach Cronstadt until the early 
morning of July 12. The vessels were met on their arrival off 
the harbor by an officer from the flagship Rurik, with an invita- 
tion from the Lord High Admiral to take part in a naval review, 
for which preparations were being made near the harbor forts. 
The invitation having been accepted, the American ships were 
given a position of honor as leading vessels of the central column 
of "heavies." Even at this early date (the review not taking 
place until the 17th) the assemblage of war-vessels presented a 
most imposing appearance. West of Fort Nicholas, a formidable 
battery defending the southern side of Cronstadt, were arranged 
four columns of vessels. The southern line was formed of the 
smaller craft, yachts and dispatcli boats. The tall, symmetrical 
spars and jaunty appearance of the leading vessel in this column 
were a guarantee of her nationality, and more than one keen eye 
had picked her out as a Yankee craft before she hoisted her 
colors and displayed the well known burgee of Loubat's yacht, 
the graceful Enchantress. North of the small-fry a column of 
seven single-turreted monitors formed a second line, headed by 
their Flagship, the gun-boat Yolga. Still further to the north- 
ward came seven wooden corvettes and frigates, including, as a 
rear guard, the St. Olaff and Yanadis, which, with the gun-boat 
Blenda, formed the Swedish contingent. The above mentioned 
gun-boat was the last vessel in the fourth line of nine similar 
craft that formed the northern boundary of the van division. On 
one side of this fleet were the fortresses of Peter and Alexander, 
the southern line running from Fort Paul westward to battery 
No. 3. In the rear of this division lay the yacht Kurik, bearing 
the flag of the Grand Duke Constantine, the Lord High Admiral 
of Russia, under whose management the whole fleet had been 
placed. Immediately to the rear of his vessel and stretching far 
away to the westward were grouped the heavier ships, in three 
columns, double and three turreted monitors to the southward; 



212 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

iron-clad gun-boats (led by the Duke of Edinburgh's yacht 
Osborne) on the north flank, and in the centre led by the Frank- 
lin and Alaska, the pick of the Hussian iron-clad Navy, Peter 
the Grreat, an immense turreted ram, a project of Admiral Pop- 
off's, and then the Peter and Paul, Sebastopol, Kreml, and 
Pervenentz, heavy iron-clad frigates, in the order named, the line 
ending with the Bogatyr and another corvette, the name of the 
former probably a familiar one to those who witnessed the 
reception of the Grand Duke Alexis. 

The Grand Duke Constantino repaired on board the Flagship 
in person to welcome the Admiral to Russia, and to tender his 
thanks for the proposed participation of the Americans in the 
coming ceremony. When the Admiral expressed his acknow. 
ledgment of the honor accorded to his ships in placing them in 
the leading line, his Highness replied, pointing to the long rows 
of monitors : " You are here, Admiral, among the children of 
your gallant deed ; it is only right that you should take the fii-st 
place," a graceful compliment, which was duly appreciated by 
the naval men present. At a dinner, given the same evening 
aboard the Rurik, the Grand Duke spoke most feelingly of the 
intimate relations between the two countries, and proposed the 
health of " The President," which was received with all the 
honors. 

During the few days preceding the naval review the Amer- 
icans busied themselves in a sort of steeplechase through the 
different sights of St. Petersburg, the time of their stay being 
unfortunately too limited to admit of extended visits anywhere. 
The magnificence of St. Isaac's; the gloomy grandeur of 
the Kazan Cathedral ; the beautiful Hermitage, with its 
gaudy frescoes and treasures of art; the famous Winter 
Palace; the fortress of St. Petersburg, church and castle in one, 
with the tombs of the Czars ; the little hut, so carefully pre- 
served and piously revered, where Peter the Great once held his 
court ; the thousand and one monuments of departed monarchs 
or of glorious triumphs — all passed before them, like the 
shifting scenes of a kaleidoscope. It was too much like the 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden, 2 1 'i 



J 



model railroad dinner — one mouthful, obtained by dint of much 
labor and bodily toil, and then — all aboard ? The excursionists 
from the ships did their best under these discouraging circum- 
stance, their uniforms being an " open sesame " to all places of 
amusement or interest, and their search for novelties much 
lightened by the kindly services of the Russian officers, who 
piloted them about in gallant style. 

Meanwhile the official entertainments formed a part of the 
daily occupation of the Admiral and his suite. The Czar was at 
Peterhoff, the Russian Versailles, a beautiful palace and park 
opposite Cronstadt, on the southern side of the bay, with his 
guests, King Oscar IT., of Sweden, and the Duke and Duchess 
of Edinburgh. On the 13th a grand review of the Imperial 
Guard and other troops took place at Krasnoe Selo, fifteen miles 
from Peterhoff. The review was one of tlie most brilliant mili- 
tary pageants I have ever seen, over 50,000 men of the di:fferent 
arms being upon the field. Tlie King of Sweden was the review- 
ing officer, attended by the Czar and a brilliant suite. A nov- 
elty to the American visitors was the presence in line of a large 
body of Circassians and Cossacks in their curious national cos- 
tumes. The manoeuvering was simply perfect ; battalion after 
battalion of foot marched past, double company front, with uni- 
form step, and with aligments such as columns of fours might 
envy ; following them came the cavalry — walk, trot, gallop, 
walk — as the different signals rang out from the bugle, the 
changes being so instantaneous as to seem almost marvel- 
ous. 

Once, a squadron of Circassians rode by, a signal was made to 
"wheel and charge," and this difficult movement was so perfect 
that even in the staff there was an unofficer-like "buzz" of ap- 
proval, while the King of Sweden openly expressed his admir- 
ation, and as the squadron rode back the Czar himself said a few 
words of compliment. Instantly the air rang again with a mighty 
shout from the delighted troopers, as different from the regula- 
tion "cheer" as one can well imagine. It is not often that sol- 
diers get such a compliment from the Emperor on the reviewing 



214 , ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book* 

grounds, but that none ever deserved it more would be the testi- 
mony of all who witnessed the feat. 

At noon precisely on the ITth, the Emperor's yacht Derjawa^ 
followed by two other small vessels as escort, appeared at the 
head of the in-shore line of vessels off Cronstadt. The presence 
of the Czar was at once acknowledged by all the vessels manning 
yards, (or turrets, as the case might be,) but no further demonstra- 
tion was made until the yacht had passed down the centre of the 
van division and anchored abreast of the Rurik. As she came 
to, the Emperor's standard was hauled down, and the blue 
and yellow of Sweden took its place at the Derjawa's mainmast- 
head. Then from every fort and every vessel of the great fleet 
the national salute came thundering forth, mingled with the 
cheers of the seamen and the martial strains of the Swedish and 
Russian national anthems. Nothing I have ever seen afloat 
could equal this imposing display ; the review at Portsmouth in 
1867, in honor of the Sultan, and considered a magnificent spec- 
tacle, was far inferior to this. Fancy a fleet whose line of anch- 
orage covered a space of nearly two miles and a half, treble col- 
umns, with fifty vessels of war in the line, many of them among 
the most formidable ships afloat, add to this the shouts of the 
men, the roar of the artillery, the clash of the music, and you 
have a scene not to be forgotten. After a short visit to the 
Swedish Flagship, the imperial barge came alongside of the 
Franklin, and the Czar, King Oscar, the Duke and Duchess of 
Edinburgh, the Grand Duke Constantine, the Czarewitch, and 
his pretty wife, the Princess Dagmar, with a large retinue, came 
on board the American vessel, were the imperial standard was- 
hoisted at the main. The Grand Duke Constantine presented 
the officers to the Czar, the King of Sweden greeting them a& 
previous Stockholm acquaintances, with a cheery, "How are you 
all now, gentlemen ?" which provoked an audible smile from 
some of the "unterrified." The imperial party inspected the 
ship throughout, praising her appearance very highly, and seem- 
ing especially surprised by the prevailing neatness. In truth, 
that seems the most noticeable feature of our Yankee men of 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sipeden. 2 1 5 

war as compared with those of other nationalities, most of which 
are anything but successful in that respect. 

At the Krasnoe-Selo review, where the Americans were 
seated in the Empress' pavilion, directly opposite the reviewing 
officers, I had seen the Czar again for the first time since that 
memorable Summer day in Paris in 186T, when Berezowsky 
attempted his life. When on board the Franklin I had an 
opportunity of viewing him still more closely. Time has 
wrought its inevitable changes, but the dignified bearing, the 
firm set of the lips, and the clear eye of the great ruler of all 
the Russias are as of old. His character lies written on his 
face, a proud, determined, but kind-hearted and liberal-minded 
man. His brother Constantine has the appearance common to 
many aristocratic Englishmen, that the British cut of his 
whiskers seems to increase still further. But in spite of his 
grave, reserved appearance, his Highness can crack a joke and 
enjoy one with the best of them, and many are the stories told 
by his officers in corroboration thereof. Among the suite I 
noticed a tall, distinguished looking officer, yith iron-gray hair, 
a quiet, rather sad-looking face, and a decided stamp of super- 
iority about his whole appearance. Though he appeared in the 
uniform of a general officer of engineers I could not place him 
at first, but on inquiry I found how much he deserved attention 
as the commander of Sebastopol, the famous Todleben. I was 
no longer surprised at his being one of the very few present 
who wore the Cross of St. George, of the first class, a decoration 
that the Czar himself does not wear, as being one reserved, in his 
opinion," for those to whom the country is indebted for deliverance 
from imminent danger or for heroic efforts to that end." 

On leaving the Franklin, as the imperial standard was hauled 
down it was saluted as before by the American Flagship and all 
the vessels and forts. The Emperor then repaired on board his 
yacht, signalled to the fleet his commendation and thanks, and 
on his way back to Peterhof passed close to the Franklin, bow- 
ing repeatedly in answer to the salutes from that ship and the 
Alaska. On the same evening the Grand Duke Constantine 



2i6 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

conveyed officially to Admiral Worden the thanks of the Czar 
for his reception on board, coupled with an invitation to attend 
an evening fete at Peterhof on the following day. 

This closing scene in the gala week was fully equal to any 
of the other magnificent displays that had previously taken 
place. For miles the grounds in the vicinity of the Czar's Sum- 
mer palace were illuminated a giorno with colored lanterns; 
the palace and the islands on the lake, the 'Apiece des suisses " of 
the park were one mass of lights of every kind. Even the walks 
winding about in every direction were traced in glowing devices 
of every hue. On one of the largest islands all the invited 
guests were assembled to witness a ballet by the imperial troupe, 
after which an elegant collation was served, the fete concluding 
with a brilliant display of fireworks. 

The King of Sweden left on the evening of the 19th for 
Stockholm his squadron being accompanied by all the vessels of 
the van division. All the ships in the harbor were brilliantly 
illuminated in his honor. As the Yanadis passed the American 
Flagship,duringa pause in the cheering, the King sang out, "good- 
night, Admiral, and bon voyage," a compliment instantly 
acknowledged by three times three from the Yankee men-of- 
war. 

On the following morning the American vessels got under 
way and left the harbor, escorted by the Peter the Great to the 
ofiing, the Hussian vessels of the rear division, at anchor, saluting 
the Admiral's flag with thirteen guns. With a short visit to 
Copenhagen, where the Juniata is expected to join, the northern 
cruise of our squadron will terminate, the vessels touching as 
Flushing and Plymouth on their return to Gibraltar and the 
Mediterranean. 

While there will be quite a general satisfaction among the 
members of the squadron when the fatted calf of welcome has 
been killed for good, and the quiet of ordinary routine is 
restored, there are few who do not appreciate the advantages to 
the country of a trip of this kind. It is impossible to give an 
adequate idea of the interest taken by the mass of foreigners in 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden. 217- 

anything American — ^in that far-off country which in spite of its 
original ideas of government seems to enjoy such great prosper- 
ity. It was touching to find among the thousands of visitors who 
flocked to see the strangers, many who came hundreds of miles 
to have one glimpse of the Stars and Stripes, for the sake of 
personal associations, or with the thought of some friend or 
relative who had left the Fatherland for a new home beyond the 
seas. The universal cordiality of the welcome extended to our 
ships by German, Swede, and Russian alike is most gratifying to 
all who feel that even in this slight way some knowledge may 
be gained by them of the great country of which they so often 
hear. While it is a subject of general regret that these visits 
<jould not have been made in more modern types of naval archi- 
tecture, one finds not a little consolation for this drawback 
in the high terms of praise accorded to the personnel of the 
squadron. !No notice of their movements has appeared in any 
journal unaccompanied by the highest terms of praise of the 
oflScers and men, and in every port especial mention has been 
made of the splendid bearing of tlie officers and the discipline 
^nd efficiency of their subordinates. 



The American Register, Paris, September 25, 1875. 

THE YACHT ENCHANTRESS. 

Mr. J. F. Loubat, the proprietor of the yacht Enchantress, has 
returned to Paris, after a two months' cruise in his beautiful 
vessel. He visited Sweden, Norway and Eussia, and every- 
where during his trip was the recipient of marked favor and 
<30urtesy. The King of Sweden visited the American yacht ; 
he remained several hours on board and lunched with 
Mr. Loubat. In Russian waters Mr. Loubat met with 
the same extreme kindness and attention. Admiral Popoff, 
of the Russian Navy, visited the Enchantress ; as did also the 



^i8 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

Grand Duke Constantine, who received in return the visit of 
Mr. Loubat and the American gentlemen who were his guests. 
TJie Enchantress is now at Cowes, where she will be laid up 
during the winter. 



The Commonwealth^ Boston, November 6, 1876. 

FROM ENGLAND. 
Special to the Commonwealth. 

Cowes (Ejs^gland), Oct. 15, 1875. 

THE NEW YORK YACHT ENCHANTRESS IN RUSSIAN AND SCANDI- 
NAVIAN WATERS. 

Having vainly sought to have his challenge to all English 
yachts accepted, and finding that the French Yacht Club were to- 
give no international channel race, Mr. Loubat, owner of the 
yacht Enchantress, of the New York Yacht Club, decided upon 
making a cruise to Sweden, Norway and Kussia, and started on 
the 18th of June from Cherbourg, accompanied by his friends 
General Crawford and Lloyd Phoenix as his guests. They 
reached Copenhagen on the 24:th of June, remained there twa 
days, and on the 2d of July arrived at Cronstadt. The yacht 
had no sooner anchored than an officer came on board, sent by 
Captain Koupreyanoff, of the Russian iron-clad man of war 
Pervenetz, which was acting as guard-ship, to offer his compli- 
ments and services. On the morning of the 4:th of July the 
Enchantress was duly " dressed," having the Russian flag at the 
fore. Again was a Russian officer sent on board with thanks for 
the compliment, and with renewed expressions of good-wilL 
Admiral Popoff, who twice commanded the Russian fleet in the 
Pacific, and is well-known in San Francisco, which city he several^ 
times visited, came on board the yacht, and after remaining some 
time informed Mr. Loubat that the Grand Duke Constantine 
would call on the 6th. On that day the Grand Duke came on> 
board, and after a very pleasant visit took Mr. Loubat to dine 



The Enchantress in Russia and in Sweden. 2 1 9 

with him. During the course of the conversation the Grand 
Duke referred in the kindest terms to the mission upon which 
the Hon. G. Y. Fox went to Russia some years since, and at 
which time Mr. Loubat was one of his secretaries. The Grand 
Duke also evinced much interest in Captain Robert Fish, the 
well-known modeller, and now sailing-master of the Enchantress. 
He consulted him as regards the modelling of some new war 
vessels to be constructed for the Russian Navy, and was exceed- 
ingly courteous to the American gentlemen during the whole of 
their interview. Admiral Popoff took Mr. Loubat with him to 
visit the new Russian ship Peter the Great, an immense turretted 
iron-clad ram, considered the most powerful vessel afloat — and 
which was constructed after the plans and under the supervision 
of the Admiral — and in every way displayed the utmost friend- 
liness to the owner of the Enchantress and his party. 

On the 12th of July the members of the St. Petersburg 
Yacht River Club came to Cronstadt in their yachts, and were 
entertained on board of the Enchantress. The next day the 
American party dined at the club-house, which was most ele- 
gantly decorated and festooned with the American and Rus- 
sian flags. There were very complimentary toasts proposed in 
honor of the United States, and most amicable speeches were 
pronounced by the Russian gentlemen and responded to by the 
Americans. The next day the Enchantress, by order of 
Grand Duke Constantine, was towed into the outer roads and 
placed at the head of the line of yachts which were to take po- 
sitions in a grand naval review at which were to be present 
fifty-three men-of-war, the American vessels Franklin (Admiral 
Word en's Flagship,) and the Alaska among the number. The 
King of Sweden was there in his frigate, the Yanadis. There 
were also the Swedish Gunboat Blenda, and the Norwegian 
frigate Saint Olaf, and the Queen of England's yacht Osborne, 
which had brought over the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 
The review was one of the most imposing of its kind, in fact, 
it was so very brilliant as to excite the jealousy of the reporter 
for the London Times, who in his letter published in that journal 



220 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

went out of his way to reflect in a sarcastic manner upon the 
seamanship of the Russians, the Emperor not coming out in his 
yacht, the Derjava, but taking a smaller vessel. This course 
was unfavorably contrasted with that pursued in English waters 
hj those who command the royal yacht Albert and Victoria. 
The good taste of the strictures in question will be the better 
appreciated when it is added that the Czar's yacht was not made 
use of simply because there was not a sufficient depth of water 
for her to reach Peterhof, the Imperial summer residence. 

On the 19th the Enchantress weighed anchor, sailing away 
along the line of war vessels. On passing Admiral Boutakoff's 
ship — the second in command. Grand Duke Constantine being 
commander-in-chief — the Enchantress dipped her colors, where- 
upon the band on the Russian ship played " Hail Columbia," 
the Admiral and officers remaining uncovered until the air was 
finished. These were unusual honors to render to a yacht, but 
the Enchantress was the first American vessel of the kind which 
had visited Cronstadt, save Yanderbilt's North Star, many years 
since, and the Russians made the most of the opportunity for 
giving proof of their friendship and good-will to our people. 

On the 22d of July the Enchantress reached Stockholm, and 
on the Saturday following Mr. Loubat was presented to the King 
at Drottningholm Palace by Admiral Lagercrantz, and by invi- 
tation of His Majesty the proprietor of the Enchantress and the 
American minister. Gen. C. C. Andrews, spent the following 
day with him. They sailed to the palace on the King's yacht, 
lunched and dined with His Majesty, who, the next day, came 
on board the Enchantress, where he was entertained at lunch, 
and remained several hours. The King expressed his regret at 
not being able to visit the centennial exposition, but will send 
his second son — an officer in the Swedish navy. With His Ma- 
jesty on board the Enchantress were the Crown Prince, Baron 
Yon Otter, Minister of the Navy; Admiral Lagercrantz; Baron 
Flake, Master of the Royal Household ; Major Ribbing, tutor 
of the Crown Prince; also the Chamberlain on duty. The 
American minister was present. On this occasion the King, for 



The Enchantress in Russia and i7i Sweden, 221 

the first time, tasted Catawba wiDe. He drank with American 
wine, said he, to the prosperity of the United States and perpet- 
ual friendship between the two countries. We may add that 
His Majesty found the wine so much to his liking that he order- 
ed a supply to be purchased for the palace. 

It should have been^mentioned above that the Enchantress 
passed near Elsinore, in the Sound, the Russian war vessel 
Swetlana, commanded by the Grand Duke Alexis, who is to make 
a two-years' cruise in the Mediterranean, will then be appointed 
Admiral, and in command of a fleet will again visit the United 
States. 

As the Enchantress was to continue her cruise, the King of 
Sweden himself wrote out the itinerary of a tour through Nor- 
way for the American party, and said he should advise one of his 
chamberlains for Norway to take charge of them upon their ar- 
rival at Christiania. Before leaving, however, Mr. Loubat and 
his friends were invited by Xing Oscar to remain and be present 
at the regatta of the Royal Swedish Yacht Club, of which the 
King is president, and of which His Majesty caused Mr. Loubat 
to be made an honorary member. 

On Sunday, August 1st, the American party spent the day 
upon the King's steam yacht, where they were joined after the 
regatta by His Majesty, who had been sailing his yacht with the 
other vessels of the kind belonging to the club. The American 
visitors noticed with pleasure the affable manner, in fact, the 
true sailor-like bluffness, with which the King went among the 
people. From the highest to the lowest all sailed their own 
yachts ; and it was a pleasant thing to witness the King distrib- 
uting prizes and shaking hands with the winners. After the 
Minister of the Navy had addressed the yachtsmen and caused 
the report of the races to be read, a pause took place to allow 
time for objections, if any were to be made, and then the names 
of the fortunate parties were read out aloud amid the applause 
of the people assembled ; and, as said above, the King personally 
complimented them. 

Returning to Stockholm, the yachts were all towed by 



22 2 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

steamers ablaze with Yenetian lights and firing rockets. The 
villas along the coast were illuminated, and also sent up rockets, 
and thus for a distance of over eight miles the Americans wit- 
nessed one of the most beautiful sights one could behold. 

Leaving Stockholm, the Enchantress visited Gottenborg, 
Christiania and Bergen, in which places the vessel first displayed 
the New York Yacht Club Flag. Wherever they went, Mr. 
Loubat and his friends met with the same kindness. It was 
evident the people were delighted to greet Americans with more 
than usual courtesy. Many of them have relatives and friends 
in the United States who are prospering in their new home, and, 
it was, doubtless, pleasant to them to have the opportunity of 
greeting cheerfully and cordially citizens of the great Republic. 
The Enchantress was visited by all classes, and the party on 
board of her will long remember this most interesting cruise. 
Doubtless the popularity of our representative at Stockholm, 
Gen. C. C. Andrews, added to the favor shown to the party 
upon the yacht, as the General was so much with them ; but, 
above all, was the sincere desire of the people to evince good- 
will towards Americans. The official reports made by General 
Andrews upon the institutions of Sweden and Norway have at- 
tracted much attention in European political circles, and have 
rendered him very popular, as we said above, in these countries, 
and the party on the Enchantress found the Minister most 
willing to be of service. The Enchantress is at present being 
laid up for the winter at Oowes, from which place lately sailed 
the celebrated American yacht Sappho, now the property of 
Prince Sciarra of Rome. JSTautilus. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



MR. LOUBAT'S CUP TO THE ROYAL ALBERT 

YACHT CLUB. 



The Evening Post, New York, July 7, 1875, 

AN AMERICAN YACHTSMAn's GIFT TO THE ROYAL ALBERT 

YACHT CLUB. 

Messrs. Tiffany & Co., of Union Square, have just finished a 
silver cup ordered bj an American gentleman, now residing 
abroad, for presentation to the Royal Albert Yacht Club. The 
cup, including pedestal, is forty inches in height and nineteen 
inches in width, and in originality of design and workmanship is 
one of the finest pieces of silver plate ever executed in this 
country. 

The pedestal is of ebony, and ornamented with a large silver 
plate in the form of a square-sail bent to a yardarm. It is in- 
scribed as follows : "Presented to the Royal Albert Yacht Club 
by J. F. Loubat, Esq." The cup is supported on a circular base, 
ornamented with dolphins' heads in high relief, and bound with 
a massive hawser. The lower part of the body of the cup is 
burnished, but above the rim or belt, upon a concave surface, it 
bears an elaborate design of sailor-boys with joined hands, form- 
ing a ring upon the greensward and dancing. Various nautical 
objects, such as capstans, tillers, anchors and cables, are grouped 
in with the figures. This design forms a most elegant piece of 
repousse. 



2 24 -^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

From either side of the body two gracefully curving arms or 
handles spring, and are ornamented with laurel blossoms at the 
top and laurel wreaths hang pendant at the curves. The neck 
of the cup is ornamented in relief with tridents and female heads 
crowned with cereal productions peculiar to America. To 
relieve the somewhat formal shape of the neck sprays of palm 
are introduced, springing from the body at the point of union 
with the handles and forming a curve to the crown of the neck. 
The introduction of these palm branches serve to carry off the 
lines of the arms, and adds greatly to the general effect of the 
design. 

The crown of the neck is ornamented with a winged figure 
of Yictory, kneeling and with outstretched arms holding the 
laurel wreaths of victory. This figure is exquisitely modelled, 
and is, as well as the cup which it surmounts, a triumph of the 
silversmiths' art. The neck of the vase shows the rich satin 
finish, but the figures and ornamentations in relief are tinted 
with gold, which greatly enhances the richness of the general 
effect. 

The cup is to be shipped to Europe on Saturday, but in the 
meantime it will remain on exhibition at the store of Messrs^ 
Tiffany & Co., in Union Square. It is eminently worthy of the 
notice of connoisseurs. Its destination will give the art-workers 
in silver in England a good idea of the progress of the art in this 
country, and that it will be accepted as a creditable production 
of artistic skill we have no doubt. 



Hunt' 8 Yachting Magazine, London, September, 1875. 
ROYAL ALBERT YACHT CLUB REGATTA. 

Third day. — The liberal prizes offered on Thursday, the final 
day of the regatta, attracted nearly all the most famous of our 
racing vessels, and of the nineteen names figuring on the card, only 
one or two were not yachts which have won world-wide reputa- 



The Royal Albert Yacht Club, 



225 



tions. Only two were absent at the start, namely, the Odetta 
and Hypatia, and had there been a sailing breeze the match would 
have been something to remember. Unfortunately, as is so 
often the case when unusually handsome prizes are given, the 
weather was unfavorable, and so the great match for Mr. Lou- 
bat's cup was unsuccessful in providing sport. With such a 
paltry and baffling wind none of the yachts engaged had any fair 
chance of showing their sailing powers, and the disposal of the 
prizes was more the result of luck than anything else. The 
following were the conditions of the match : — First prize (pre- 
sented by J. F. Loubat, Esq.), value £200 ; second, value £70, 
and third, value £50, for yachts of 40 tons and upwards, belong- 
ing to any royal yacht club, or to any recognized yacht club of 
a foreign country. The rig of the first vessel in to determine 
the rig of the winner, the second prize to be awarded to the ves- 
sel of different rig saving her time, and the third prize to the 
vessel of other rig saving her time. Course, from starting vessel 
round the Nab Light, thence round a Flagboat moored off Yar- 
mouth. Once round. The starters were : — 



Numbered as in Hunt's Universal Yacht List for 1875. 

NO. NAMES OF YACHTS. EIG. TONS. OWNEKS. BUILDERS. 

1237 lona Cutter. 66 J. Ashbury, Esq., m.p. Katsey. 

402 Cuckoo Cutter. 93 Harry Hall, Esq. Fife. 

1365 Kriemhilda Cutter. 105 The Count Batthyany, Ratsey^ 

1839 Neva Cutter. 62 R. K. Holms-KeiT, Esq. Fife. 

1927 Oimara Cutter. 159 J. Wylie, Esq. SteeL 

725 Fiona Cutter. 78 E. Boutcher, Esq. Fife. 

2873 Vol-au-Vent Cuttei. 102 Col. Markham. Ratsey. 

1934 Olga Schoon'r 220 J. A. Hankey, Esq. Henderson. 

54] Egeria Schoon'r 155 J. Mulholland, Esq. Wanhil]. 

947 Gwendolia Schoon'r 192 Major Ewing. Nicholson. 

384 Corinne Schoon'r 162 N. Wood, Esq. Ratsey. 

780 Flying Cloud. . . Schoon'r 75 F. Cox, Esq. Inman. 

1408 Latona Yawl. 163 A. B. Rowley, Esq. J. White. 

861 Gertrude Yawl. 68 Sir A. Fairbaim, Bart. Wanhill. 

762 Florinda Yawl. 163 W. Jessop, Esq. Nicholson. 

1047 Heron Yawl. 45 F. Blackwood, Esq. Ratsey. 

The Odetta and Hypatia entered, but did not start. 



2 26 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

The morning was hazy and without a breath of wind, but 
about 9 h. 30 m. a light south-west breeze sprung up, but the 
yachts in shore did not get it, and the start had to be delayed 
until about 10 h. 45 m., when alight S. S.W. wind gave the yachts 
steerage way, and they were sent on their journey. With bal- 
loon topsails and spinnakers on bowsprits, the yachts drifted 
across the line in the most leisurely manner, the Flying Cloud 
being first away. They continued working down towards the 
Nab until about twelve o'clock, when the wind entirely ceased 
and kedges were let go by many, and thus they lay for about an 
hour when an air came from the south, which gradually westered 
until it was about south-west, and they got round the Nab Light 
ship thus: — Yol-au-Yent 3 h.lT m. 15 s., Gertrude 3 h. ITm. 15 s., 
Fiona 3 h. 19 m. 35 s., Neva 3 h. 26 m. 25 s.. Arrow 3 h. 28 m., 
25 s. Latona 3 h. 28 m. 30 s.. Cuckoo 3 h. 29 m. 15 s., lona 

3 h. 30 m. 5 s., Corinne 3 h. 31 m. s., Egeria 3 h. 31 m. 5 s. 
Florinda 3 h. 32 m. 30 s., Kriemhilda 3 h. 34 m. 10 s., Gwen- 
dolin 3 h. 34 m. 15 s., Olga 3 h. 35 m. 10 s.. Heron 3 h. 41 m, 
<) s. Flying Cloud 3 h. 43 m. s. 

The wind now freshened a little and with spinnakers on bow- 
sprits they were making better p)*ogress. Yol-au-Yent left the 
others a little, and Kriemhilda getting past lona closed up to 
Cuckoo. Off Egypt the wind westered more and rain began to 
fall, and the Yol-au-Yent was far ahead of the others and got 
round the mark-boat off Yarmouth about 9 h. 30 m. Nearly all 
the yachts lay becalmed until abont 9 h. p.m., when a nice 
W. S.W. breeze came, and soon afterwards they all got round the 
mark-boat and began the homeward journey to Southsea. The 
wind was shifting about very much but the Yol-au-Yent got to 
the end of the course before meeting the tide, whilst the others 
being caught by it, and getting so little wind that kedges were 
let go, and some were hours afterwards in finishing. The times 
taken were : — 

H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. 

Vol-au-Vent.l2 41 50 Gwendohn 3 2 20 Gertrude .. 8 12 50 

Corinne 2 45 40 Fiona .... 8 4 30 Florinda . .3 18 25 

Egeria 2 49 52 Neva .... 8 11 20 Kriemhil'a 4 2 20 



The Royal Albert Yacht Club. 227 

The Vol-au-Yent thus takes the £200, Corinne the £70, and 
the Gertrude the £50. The race was one of the most tedious 
ever sailed and was a tiresome wind up to an otherwise excellent 
regatta. 



To J. F. LouBi^T, Esq., 

Owner of the yacht Enchantress^ 

New York Yacht Glub. 

Sir : — In the name of the Royal Albert Yacht Club, we the 
undersigned desire to express to you our thanks for the muni- 
ficent gift recently presented by you to our club. 

America has ever been foremost in promoting yacht building 
and yacht racing, and it is most gratifying to us to welcome to 
our shores an American gentleman in many ways distinguished 
both in his own country and in Europe, and whose love of a 
noble sport must powerfully contribute to strengthen this natural 
bond of union between the two nations. 

"We have accepted this handsome trophy as a token of the 
good-will and fellowship which have long existed and will long 
endure between the yachtsmen of America and England. 

That our club should be selected by you to receive this beau- 
tiful specimen of American art, and above all this noble token of 
personal generosity demands more than our silent acceptance. 

We trust, therefore, that you will accept our sincere thanks 
for the gift itself, and our expression of admiration and sym- 
pathy with the motives which have prompted you to present to 
our club such a valuable and lasting memento of the kindly feel- 
ing and generous sentiments entertained by yourself. 

Alfred,* 
Covimodore, 
Wm. Corring Gordon, Batthyany, 

Yice Gormnodore. Rear Commodore . 

*H. E. H. the duke of Edinburgh. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE YACHT KACIJSTG ASSOCIATIOK 

SAILING BULES, 1876. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE RACES. 

1. All Kacers, and all Yachts sailing therein, shall be unaer 
the direction of the Flag Officers or Sailing Committee of the 
Club under whose auspices the Kaces are being sailed. All mat- 
ters shall be subject to their approval and control ; and all doubts, 
questions, and disputes, which may arise shall be subject to their 
decision. Their decisions shall be based upon these rules so far 
as they will apply, but as no rules can be devised capable of 
meeting every incident and accident of sailing, the Sailing Com- 
mittee should keep in view the ordinary customs of the sea, and 
discourage all attempts to win a Hace by other mean& 
than fair sailing and superior speed and skill. The de- 
cisions of the Sailing Committee shall be final, unless they 
think fit, on the application of the parties interested, or 
otherwise, to refer the questions at issue for the decision 
of the Council of the Yacht Racing Association. No 
member of the Sailing Committee or Council shall take part in 
the decision upon any disputed question in which he is directly 
interested. The Sailing Committee, or any officer appointed to- 



The Yacht Racing Association, 229 

take charge for the day, shall award the prizes, subject to rule 
30. If any yacht be disqualified, the next in order shall be 
awarded the prize. 

POSTPONEMENT OF RACES. 

2. The Sailing Committee, or officer in charge for the day, 
shall have power to postpone any race, should unfavorable 
weather render such a course desirable. 

MEASUREMENT FOR TONNAGE. 

3. The tonnaga of every yacht entered to sail in a race shall 
be ascertained in the manner following: The length shall be 
taken in a straight line at the deck, from the fore part of the 
«tem to the after-part of the stern-post ; from which deducting 
the breadth, the remainder shall be esteemed the length to find 
the tonnage ; the breadth shall be taken from outside to outside 
of the planking, in the broadest part of the yacht, and no allow- 
ance shall be made for wales, doubling planks, or mouldings of 
any kind ; then multiplying the length by the breadth, and the 
product by half the breadth, and dividing the result by 94, the 
quotient shall be deemed the true tonnage ; provided always that 
if any part of the stem or stern-post, or other part of the vessel 
at or below the load water-line project beyond the length taken 
as above mentioned, such projection or projections shall, for the 
purposes of finding the tonijage, be added to the length taken as 
stated. In the case of a yacht whose stern-post has an elbow, the 
length shall be taken to a point where the stern-post, if its rake 
were continued, would cut the deck-line ; and in measuring 
schooners or other yachts with overhanging stems, the length shall 
betaken to a point half the distance between the fore part of the 
stem at the deck line and a perpendicular to the true load water, 
line at its fore-end. The f raction|^ J and over to be counted as a ton 
and any fraction under to be disregarded. If, from any peculiar 
ity in the construction of a yacht, or other cause, the measurer 
shall be of opinion that this rule will not measure the yacht 
fairly, he shall report the circumstances to the Council or Sailing 
CJommittee, who, after making such inquiries as they may con- 



230 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

sider necessary, shall award a certificate of tonnage accordingly. 
The certificate of tonnage of The Yacht Kacing Association shall 
be deemed a yacht's true racing tonnage, so long as she re- 
mains unaltered. 

TIME ALLOWANCE. 

4. Time shall be allowed on arrival for difference in tonnage,, 
according to the annexed scale, increased or decreased in propor- 
tion to the length of different courses. If it is necessary during 
a race to shorten the course, the time allowance shall be reduced 
in proportion. 

ENTRIES. 

5. Entries shall be made with the Secretary at least forty- 
eight hours previous to the time appointed for starting each race^ 
In case of a Sunday intervening, twenty four hours to be added, 

Form of entry to be signed by the owner, or his representa- 
tive, previous to the race. 

Please to enter the yacht for the race at 

on the . Her distinguishing flag is ,, 

and her tonnage, in accordance with rule 3, is tons. I 

undertake sailing under this entry she shall not have on board' 
any bags of shot ; that all her ballast shall be properly stowed 
under the platform or in lockers, and shall not be shifted 
or trimmed in any way whatever ; and that I will obey and be 
bound by the Sailing Rules of The Yacht Kacing Association.. 

Signed this day of 

Should any yacht duly entered for a race not start, or having 
started should she give up, or be disabled during the race, such 
yacht shall, in the event of the race being resailed, be entitled 
to start ; but no new entries shall be received under any circum- 
stances whatever for a postponed race. 

OWNERSHIP. 

6. Each yacht entered for a race, together with her gear^ 
must be the l)ona fide property of the person or persons in whose 
name or names she is entered, who must be a member or mem- 
bers of a recognised yacht club. 



The Yacht Racing Association . ,231 

ONLY ONE YACHT OF SAME OWNER. 

7. 1^0 owner shall be allowed to enter more than one yacht 
in a race, except in cases in which a prize is given for each rig, 
when one yacht of each rig may be entered. 

ONE YACHT ENTITLED TO SAIL OVER. 

8. When a prize has been offered for competition, any yacht, 
duly entered, may claim to sail over the course and shall be en- 
titled to the prize ; subject, however, to Rule 2. 

SLIDING KEELS. 

9. No yachts which are fitted with machinery to shift keels, 
or otherwise to alter their form, shall be permitted to enter. 

MEMBER ON BOARD. 

10. Every yacht sailing in a race shall have on board a mem- 
ber of a recognised yacht club, who, before the prize is awarded, 
shall, if required, sign a declaration, that the yacht under his 
charge has strictly conformed to all the sailing regulations. 

« 

DISTINGUISHING FLAGS. 

11. Each yacht must carry, at her main topmast head, a rect- 
angular distinguishing flag, of a suitable size, which must not be 
hauled down unless she gives up the race. If the topmast be 
lowered on deck or carried away, the flag must be rehoisted in a 
conspicious place, as soon as possible. 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

12. Every yacht entered for a race shall, at the time of 
entry, or as soon after as possible, be supplied with written or 
printed instructions as to the conditions of the race, the course to 
be sailed, marks, &c., and nothing shall be considered as a mark 
in the course unless specially named as such in these instructions. 

SAILS. 

13. There shall be no restrictions as to sails, or the manner of 
setting and working them ; but steam power must not be used 
for hoisting sails. 



232 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 



CREW AND FRIENDS. 

14. There shall be no limit as to the number of paid hands, 
and no restrictions as to the number of friends, or to their work- 
ing. No paid hand to join or leave a yacht after the signal to 
start. [This rule is not intended to apply to Corinthian matches.] 

FITTINGS AND BALLAST. 

15. All yachts to be fitted below deck with the ordinary fittings 
of a yacht, including two transverse bulkheads of wood, and 
their platforms to be kept down, and bulkheads standing. No 
water shall be started from or taken into the tanks after the sig- 
nal to start has been made. JSTo more than the usual anchors and 
chains to be carried during a race, which must not be used as 
shifting ballast, or for altering the trim of the yacht. No bags 
of shot shall be on board, and all ballast shall be properly stowed 
under the platform or in lockers, and shall not be shifted or 
trimmed in any way whatever during a race. No ballast to be 
shipped or unshipped after 4 a.m. on the day of the race. A race 
resailed shall, so far as regards this rule, be considered a new 
race. 

BOATS AND LIFE BDOYS. 

16. Yachts exceeding thirty and under seventy tons, shall 
carry a boat on deck not less than ten feet in length and three 
feet six inches beam, and yachts of seventy tons and over, one of 
not less than twelve feet in length, and three feet six inches 
beam, with oars lashed in them ready for immediate use. Each 
yacht to carry at least one life buoy on deck. 

STARTING. 

17. The yachts to start from moorings, anchors, or under 
way, as directed by the Sailing Committee. Half an hour before 
the time of starting one of the following flags of the Commercial 
Code shall be hoisted as a preparative flag for the yachts of each 
successive race ; in case of a start from anchors or moorings to 
take up their stations for the start with headsails down, or all 



The Yacht Racinz Association, • 233 



<i> 



■sails down, as the Sailing Committee may direct ; or in case the 
■start be a flying one, to approach the starting line, viz: — 

B of Commercial Code for the yachts of the 1st Race 

C 2nd " 

D 3rd ^' 

F .4:th " 

and so on. 

Five minutes before the start the preparative Flag to be low- 
ered and a Blue Peter hoisted, and a gun fired. At the expira- 
tion of five minutes exactly the Blue Peter to be hauled down 
and a second gun fired as a signal to start. If the start is to be 
made from anchors or moorings, lots shall be drawn for stations, 
and springs shall be allowed on the same bridle or anchor chain 
or warp as the bowfasts, but are not to be carried to a buoy, 
pier, other vessel, or fixed object. If any yacht lets go or parts 
her bridle before the signal to start, or if she drags any moorings 
or anchor to which he is made fast for the purpose of starting, 
she shall be liable to be disqualified, unless such parting or 
dragging be explained to the satisfaction of the Committee, or 
unless she has returned, after the signal to start, within the line 
of starting buoys, so as not to obtain any advantage by the ac- 
cident. In case of a fiying start, no yacht to cross the line pre- 
viously pointed out until after the signal to start ; or should she 
have done so, she must return and recross the line. Should the 
gun miss fire, the lowering of the Blue Peter to be the signal to 
start. 

MEETING END ON. 

18. If two yachts are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as 
to involve risk of collision, the helms of both shall be put to 
port, so that each may pass on the port side of the other. 

TWO YACHTS CROSSING. 

19. When two yachts are crossing so as to involve risk of 
collision, then if they have the wind on different sides, the yacht 
^dth the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the 



234 ' A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

yacht with the wind on the starboard side, except in the case in 
which the yacht with the wind on the port side is close hauled 
and the other yacht free, in which case the latter yacht shall 
keep out of the way ; but if they have the wind on the same 
side, or if one of them has the wind aft, then the yacht which is 
to windward shall keep out of the way of the yacht which is to 
leeward. 

OVERTAKING, KOUNDING, MARKS, ETC. 

20. A yacht overtaking another yacht shall keep out of the 
way of the last mentioned yacht, but when rounding any buoy 
or vessel used to mark out the course, should two yachts not be 
clear of each other at the time the leading yacht is close to, and 
actually rounding the mark, the outside yacht must give the 
other room to pass clear of it, whether it be the lee or weather- 
yacht which is in danger of fouling the mark. No yacht to be 
considered clear unless so much a-head as to give a free choice 
to the other on which side she will pass. An overtaking yacht 
shall not, however, be justified in attempting to establish an over- 
lap, and thus force a passage between the leading yacht and the 
mark after the latter yacht has altered her helm for the pur- 
pose of rounding. 

OBSTRUCTIONS TO SEA ROOM. 

21. When passing pier, shoal, rock, vessel, or other obstruc- 
tion to sea room, should yachts not be clear of each other, the 
outside yacht or yachts must give room to the yacht in danger of 
fouling such obstruction, whether she be the weather or the lee- 
ward yacht ; provided always that an overlap has been estab- 
lished before an obstruction is actually reached. 

LUFFING AND BEARING AWAY. 

22. A yacht may luff as she pleases to prevent another pass- 
ing to windward, but must never bear away to hinder her pass- 
ins: to leeward — the lee side to be considered that on which the 
leading yacht of the two carries her main boom. The over- 
taking vessels, if to leeward, must not luff until she has drawn- 
clear ahead of the yacht she has overtaken. 



The Yacht Racing Association » 235 

CLOSE HAULED APPROACHING SHORE. 

23. If two yachts are Standing towards a shore or shoal, or 
towards any buoy, boat or vessel, and the yacht to leeward i& 
likely to run aground, or foul of such buoy, boat or vessel, and 
is not able to tack without conning into collision with the yacht 
to windward, the latter shall at once tack, on being hailed to do 
60 by the owner of the leeward yacht, or the person acting as 
his representative, who shall be bound to see that his own vessel 
tacks at the same time. 

RUNNING AGROUND ETC. 

24. Any yacht running on shore, or foul of a buoy, vessel, or 
other obstruction, may use her own anchors, boats, warps, &c., 
to get off, but may not receive any assistance except from the 
crew of the vessel fouled. Any anchor, boat, or warp used 
must be taken on board again before she continues the 
race. 

FOULING YACHTS, MARKS, ETC. 

25. Each yacht must go fairly round the course; and must 
not touch any buoy, boat, or vessel used to mark it out, but shall 
not be disqualified if wrongfully compelled to do so by another 
yacht. If a yacht, in consequence of her neglect of any of these 
rules, shall foul another yacht, or compel other yachts to foul, 
she shall forfeit all claim to the prize, and shall pay all 
damages. 

SWEEPS. 

26. Ko towing, sweeping, poling, or pushing, or any mode of 
propulsion except sails, shall be allowed. 

ANCHORING. 

27. Yachts may anchor during a race, but must weigh their 
anchor again, and not slip. No yacht shall during a race make 
fast to any buoy, stage, or pier, or send an anchor out in a boat, 
except for the purpose of rule 24. 

SOUNDING. 

28. No other means of sounding than the lead and line 
allowed. 



^3^ A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

MAN OVERBOARD. 

29. In case of a man falling overboard from a competing 
jacht, all other yachts in a position to do so shall use their 
utmost endeavors to render assistance; and if it should appear 
that any yacht was prevented thereby winning the race, the 
committee shall have power to order it to be re-sailed. 

PROTESTS. 

30. Should the owner of any yacht, or the person acting as 
his representative, consider that he has a fair ground of complaint 
against another for foul sailing, or any violation of these rules, 
he must, if it arise during the race, immediately signify the same 
by showing an ensign conspicuously in the main rigging. The 
protest shall be made in writing, and under such regulations (if 
any) as the Sailing Committee may determine, within twelve 
hours of the termination of the race, and shall be heard and 
decided by the Sailing Committee after such inquiries as they may 
consider necessary. 

REMOVAL OF FLAG BOAT. 

31. Should any flag vessel or boat be removed from its 
proper position, either by accident or design, the race shall be 
sailed over again, or not, at the option of the Sailing Commit- 
tee. 

PENALTY FOR DISOBEYING RULES. 

32. Any yacht wilfully disobeying or infringing any of these 
rules, which shall apply to all yachts whether sailing in the same 
or different races, shall be disqualified from receiving any prize 
she would otherwise have won, and her owner shall be liable for 
all damages arising therefrom. 

Should a flagrant breach of these rules be proved against any 
yacht, her sailing master may be disqualified by the Council for 
one season from sailing in any race held under the rules of the 
Yacht Racing Association. 

CRUISING TRIM. 

33. When yachts are ordered to sail in cruising trim, the 
following rules are to be strictly observed: — 



The Yacht Racing Association, lyj 

1. No doors, tables, cabin skylights, or other cabin or deck 
fittings (davits excepted) are to be removed from their places be- 
fore or during the race. 

2. No sails or other gear are to be put into the main 
cabin. 

3. Anchors and chains suitable to the size of the yacht are 
to be carried, one at the cathead, which anchor is not to be un- 
shackled from the chain before or during the race. 

4. Yachts exceeding thirty and under seventy tons, shall 
carry a boat on deck not less than ten feet in length and three 
feet six inches beam — ^yachts of seventy tons and over, their 
usual cutter and dingy. 

5. No extra hands, except a pilot, beyond the regular crew of 
the yacht, are to be allowed. 

APPENDIX. 



The, Yacht Racing Association further recommend for the consideration 
of Sailing Committees : — 

ALLOWANCE TO SCHOONERS AND YAWLS. 

1st. That as mixed races are no satisfactory test of the rela- 
tive speed of yachts, whenever possible, the different rigs should 
be kept separate ; but when mixed races are unavoidable, the 
following rule shall be observed : 

The tonnage of schooners and yawls to be reckoned for time 
allowance as follows: viz., schooners at three-fifths, and yawls at 
four-fifths of their actual tonnage. In calculating the deduction 
for difference of rig, the tonnage by certificate to the exact frac- 
tion to be used. In computing the time allowances from the re- 
sult, ^ and over to be considered a ton. Schooners and yawls 
to be allowed to enter in classes at the reduced tonnage. 

FLYING STARTS. 

2nd. That flying starts should be adopted when practicable,, 
but no time should be allowed for delay in starting. 



238 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

NO LIMIT TO RACE. 

3rd. That any limit to the time for concluding a race should 
be avoided as far as possible. 

CLASSIFICATION. 

4:th. That the classification of yachts should, when practica- 
ble, be as follows : 

Not exceeding .10 tons. 

Above 10 tons and not exceeding . . 20 " 

u 20 " " " . . 40 " 

a 40 " " " " . . 80 " 

'' 80 " 

COURSES. 

5th. That as distance is an important element in the calcula- 
tion of time allowancCj'the marks and Flagboats should be placed 
so as to mark as accurately as possible the length of the course, 
for which time is allowed. 

ROUNDING MARKS. 

6th. That in heavy weather it should be arranged, if practi- 
cable, for yachts to stay instead of gybe round marks. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



THE EULE OF THE EOAD AT SEA. 



The Field, London, April 8, 1876. 
THE ALBERTA AND THE MISTLETOE. 

The papers relating to the collision between the Alberta and 
the yacht Mistletoe were issued a few days ago. Amongst the 
inclosures is the following from Eear- Admiral Eobert Hall, C. 
B., Secretary of the Admiralty, to the Commander-in-chief at 
Portsmouth, communicating the decision arrived at by the Lords 
of the Admiralty as to the responsibility of the officers of the 
Alberta in regard to the disaster : 

" Admiralty, Dec. 28, 1875. 

'^ Sir : — With reference to the report of the Court of Inquiry, 
which was held in pursuance of the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty's order of the 30th August last, into the circum- 
stances of the collision between Her Majesty's ship Alberta and 
the yacht Mistletoe, I am commanded to acquaint you that my 
lords have not taken any action in the matter pending the result 
of the Coroner's inquests upon the bodies of the persons who 
were unfortunately drowned on the occasion. I am now to in- 



240 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

form you that my lords desire that you will acquaint Captain H 
S. H.j the Prince of Leinengen and Staff Captain Welch that^. 
having given careful consideration to the report of the officers 
yi\\o formed the court, and concurring generally in the finding at 
which they arrived, my lords have come to the conclusion that as 
the attention of Prince Leinengen is frequently and unavoidably 
taken up by the attendance on the Queen during the time Her 
Majesty is on board the Alberta in crossing the Solent, the con^ 
duct of the navigation is properly left to the staff captain, and 
that the latter officer must be held responsible for it. My lords 
further consider, in accordance with the finding of the court, 
that the course steered by the Alberta should have been such, 
that she could not have been brought into collision with the Mis- 
tletoe through any alteration of course made by that vessel ; and 
my lords cannot therefore acquit Staff Captain Welch from 
blame in not having exhibited sufficient care and attention so as 
to have avoided all risk of accident, and be is to be reprimanded 
accordingly. My Lords are satisfied that after the collision 
every effort was made with the utmost rapidity for the preserva- 
tion of life. I am to add that, in dealing with this matter, ray 
lords have taken into consideration that Staff Captain Welch has 
now for a great many years been in charge of the Alberta on 
the occasion of her Majesty crossing the Solent; and that, up to- 
the time of the unfortunate occurrence above referred to, no 
accident of any kind has taken place, and that his proceedings 
have given entire satisfaction. — I am, &c., 

KoBEKT Hall 

*^Admiral George Elliot, &c., Portsmouth." 



The Field, London, September, 1876. 

Balmoral, August 30, 1875. 

Dear Lord Exeter : — It has appeared in the course of the 
inquiry, at Gosport, that it is a common practice for private 
yachts to approach the Koyal yacht, when her Majesty is on 



The Rule of the Road at Sea. 241 

board, from motives of loyalty or curiosity. It is evident that 
such a proceeding must at all times be attended with considera- 
ble risk, and in summer, when the Solent is crowded with vessels, 
such manoeuvres are extremely dangerous. The Queen has 
therefore commanded me to request that you will kindly assist 
Her Majesty in making it known to all owners of yachts how 
earnestly the Queen hopes that this practice, which may lead to 
lamentable results, should be discontinued. 

Believe me, dear Lord Exeter, yours faithfully, 

Henry J. Ponsonby, 

The Commodore of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Ryde. 



The Field, London, May 27, 1876. 

AXIOMS FOE YACHTSMEN. 

We cull the following from the New York Nautical Gazette : 
" Don't — Don't stand up in a boat ; don't sit on the rail of a 
boat ; don't let your garments trail overboard ; don't step into 
a boat except in her middle ; don't rise in a boat before you are 
alongside ; don't pull under the bows of a ship — it looks green, 
and the consequences might be fatal ; don't forget to ' in fenders ' 
every time you shove off ; don't forget that a loaded boat keep& 
her headway l6nger than a light one ; don't make fast with a 
hitch that will jam ; don't lower away with the plug out; keep 
the plug on hand by a small lanyard to it, so that it cannot be 
' led astray ' and have to be hunted up when needed. Do. — Do 
hoist your flags chock up — nothing betokens the landsman more 
than slovenly colours ; do haul taut all your geer ; do see that 
no ' Irish pennants ' are flying adrift aloft ; do have a long scope 
out in a gale ; do see that your crew keeps in its place and does 
not boss the quarter deck ; do keep your men tidy and looking 
sailor-like ; do limit the ' cocktails ' aft, and pay more attention 
to working ship ; do keep to leeward of competing yachts when 
you are not in the match yourself; do learn to be your own 



242 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

skipper and navigator — it is not so difficult and impossible a 
thing to acquire ; do read the Nautical Gazette if you wish to be 
considered any kind of a yachtsman." 



NEW THAMES YACHT CLUB. 



THE RULE OP THE ROAD AT SEA. 



JSTAIL THIS UP IN THE FORECASTLE READ, MARK, LEARN AND 

INWARDLY DIGEST IT. 



" When both side lights you see ahead 
Port your helm, and show yours Hed. 
Green to Green — or Ked to Red — 
Keep your course and go ahead. 

*■' If on your starboard Hed appear, 
It is your duty to keep clear. 
To act as judgment says is proper, 
To port, or starboard, back, or stop her, 

** But when upon your port is seen 
A steamer's starboard light of Green, 
There's not so much for you to do. 
If Green do port, keeps clear of you. 

" Both in safety and in doubt 
Always keep a good look-out. 
In danger, with no room to turn. 
Ease her ! stop her ! go astern !" 
With the Commodore's convpliments. 

Northwood Park, Cowes. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



ME. LOUBAT'S SECOND EUROPEAN CHALLENGE. 



The American Register, Paris, April 15, 1876. 
THE ENCHANTRESS. 

The following letter, which has been addressed to the editor 
of BelVs Life^ cannot fail to interest many of our readers : 

Paris, April 12, 1876. 
To the Editor of BelVs Life^ London. 

Sir. — My attention has been called to the following lines, 
which appeared in your paper of Saturday, May 29, 1875 : 

The American Enchantress is hound on a Norway cruise^ 
and has turned up racing hisiness — a very profitahle move, more 
than likely. 

I beg leave to repeat the offer that I made through your 
columns (August 15, 1874) that, if it should be agreeable to any 
member of an organized European yacht club owning a schooner 
yacht of at least 300 tons, Koyal Thames Yacht Club measure- 
ment, to sail a match for a one hundred guinea cup, with the 
Enchantress, over H. R. H. the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup 



244 ^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

course, according to the rules and regulations and time allowance- 
established for said course, I shall be most happy to sail such a 
match on any day after the 16th of August next. 

The race to take place on the appointed day, without regard 
to wind or weather, and to be play or pay. 

This 0"ffer remains open until the 15th of May next. 
I am Sir, your obedient servant, 

J. F. LOUBAT. 



BelVs Life in London, London, ApHl 15, 1876. 
INTERNATIONAL YACHT CHALLENGE. 

We have authority to announce that Mr. J. F. Loubat, owner 
of the American schooner yacht Enchantress, New York Yacht 
Club, is willing to repeat the offer made in " Bell's Life," in Au- 
gust, 1874, respecting an international sailing match over a fair 
open water course. Mr. Loubat's challenge is as follows : 

" If it should be agreeable to any member of an organized 
European yacht club, owning a schooner yacht of at least 300 
tons, Koyal Thames Yacht Club measurement, to sail a match 
for a one hundred guinea cup with the Enchantress, over H. R . 
H., the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup Course, according to the 
rules and regulations and time allowance established for the said 
course he (Mr. Loubat) will be most happy to sail such a match 
on any day after the 15th of August next. The race to take 
place on the appointed day without regard to wind or weather, 
and to be play or pay. This offer remains open until the 15th 
of May next. 

Mr. Loubat's offer is couched in fair, sportsmanlike terms, 
but unfortunately, through restricting the weight to 300 tons, 
there would be but the Boadicea, Elmina, and Guinevere eligible 
to compete with the Enchantress. The Guinevere's past per- 
formance would, of course, cause her to be regarded as the 
English representative vessel, but now that she has dropped to 
the cruising class racing in her case is out of the question, and 



Mr. Loubaf s Seco7id European Challenge. 245 

neither the Boadicea nor the Elmina is equipped for racing. 
There is Mr. Adrian Hope's new schooner Fortuna, up to the 
size, but we have nothing to justify us in supposing that she is 
intended for other than a cruiser, and we are, therefore, 
afraid that, as in the case of Mr. Loubat's challenge of August, 
1874, the present will be also allowed to pass by unnoticed by 
English yachtsmen. 

The Field, London, April 15, 1876. 
THE AMERICAN YACHT ENCHANTRESS. 

Sir: — My attention has been called to some remarks which ap- 
peared in print some time since relating to the Enchantress hav- 
ing "turned up racing." 

I beg leave to repeat the offer that I made through your 
^columns August 15, 1874, that, if it should be agreeable to any 
member of an organised European yacht club owning a schooner 
yacht of at least 300 tons, H. T. Y. C. measurement, to sail a 
match for a one hundred guinea cup with the Enchantress over 
H. R. H. the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup course, according 
to the rules and regulations and time allowance established for 
said course, I shall be most happy to sail such a match on any 
day after the 15th of August next, the race to take place on the 
appointed day without regard to wind or weather, and to be play 
or pay. This offer remains open until the 15th of May next. 

Paris, April 12, 1876. J. F. Loubat. 



Land and Water, London, April 15, 1876. 
CHALLENGE FROM YACHT ENCHANTRESS. 

I beg leave to repeat the offer that I made on August 15, 
1874, that if it should be agreeable to any member of an organ- 
ized European yacht club owning a schooner yacht of at least 
-300 tons, R. T. Y. C. measurement, to sail a match for a one 
hundred guinea cup with the Enchantress over H. R. H. the 
Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup course, according to tlie rules 



246 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

and regulations and time allowance established for said course^ 
I shall be most happy to sail such a match on any day after the 
16th of August next; the race to take place on the appointed 
day, without regard to wind or weather, and to be play or pay^ 
This offer remains open until the 15th of May next. 

J. F. LOUBAT. 



Hunt's Yachting Magazine^ London, May, 1876. 

CHALLENGE FROM THE YACHT ENCHANTEESS. 

I beg leave to repeat the offer that I made on August 15,, 
1874, that if it should be agreeable to any member of an organized 
European yacht club owning a schooner yacht of at least 30O 
tons, R. T. Y. C. measurement, to sail a match for a one 
hundred guinea cup with the Enchantress over H. R. H. the 
Prince of Wale's Challenge Cup course, according to the rules- 
and regulations and time allowance established for said course, I 
shall be most happy to sail such amatchonany day after the 15 th 
of August next; the race to take place on the appointed day,, 
without regard to wind or weather, and to be play or pay. This^ 
offer remains open until the 15th of May next. 

J. F. LoUBAT. 



The New York Herald, New York, April 16, 1876. 

SPECIAL DESPATCH TO THE HERALD BY CABLE. 

Herald Bureau, ]N"o. 61 Avenue de I'Opera, 

Paris, April 15, 1876. 

A YACHTING CHALLENGE. 

Mr. J. F. Loubat publishes a challenge to any European 
schooner yacht of 300 tons to sail a match for a hundred guinea 
cup against the Enchantress, of the -New York Yacht Club. 



Mr, Loubafs Second European Challenge, 247 

Galignani's Messenger^ Paris, April 18, 1876. 

We are requested to reproduce the following communication 
addressed to the editor of BeWs Life in London : — 

" Paris, April 12, 1876. 

My attention has been called to the following lines, which 
appeared in your paper of Saturday, May 28, 1875 : — 

'' The American JEnchantress is hound on a Norway cruise 
and has turned up racing business — a very projitahle move^ more 
than likely. 

I beg leave to repeat the offer that I made through your 
columns (August 15, 1874), that, if it should be agreeable to 
any member of an organized European yacht club owning a 
schooner yacht of at least 300 tons Koyal Thames Yacht Club 
measurement to sail a match for a one hundred guinea cup, with 
the Enchantress, over H.R.H., the Prince of Wales's Challenge 
Cup course, according to the rules and regulations and time 
allowance established for said course. I shall be most happy to 
sail such a match on any day after the 15th of August next. 
The race to take place on the appointed day, without regard to 
wind or weather, and to be play or pay. This offer remaina 
open until the 15th of May next. Accept, etc., 

J. F. LOUBAT. 



The American Register, Paris, June 27, 1876. 
THE YACHT ENCHANTRESS. 

The Sport calls particular attention to the challenge of Mr. 
Loubat, which it published on the 19th of April, and which also 
appeared in our columns, and says that its readers will be sur- 
prised to find that no English yacht has yet decided to race with 
the Enchantress. It will be remembered that she came out to 
Europe to sail for the Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup open to 
English and American yachts. The race was to take place on 
the 6th of August, 1874, but on the 5th, Mr. Loubat was offici- 



248 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

ally informed by the Koyal Yacht Squadron, that Mr. Mulhol- 
land's yacht, the Egeria, having sprung her gaff, the only yacht 
ready to sail against the Enchantress was that of the Duke of 
Rutland, the Shark ; and as, according to the terms of the Prince 
of Wales's gift, three starters were required, there could be no 
race, unless Mr. Loubat would defer it until Friday. To this 
request he readily acceded. On the day selected the Enchant- 
ress broke down, and notwithstanding his subsequent challenges, 
in 1874 and 1876, Mr. Loubat has not yet been able to have a 
race. 



CHAPTER XVIIL 



THE LOCJBAT CAPE MAY CUP EACE. 



The New York Herald, New York, March 26. 1875. 
NEW YOEK YACHT CLUB. 

The second general meeting of the New York Yacht Clnb 
^vas held last evening at the club rooms, Madison avenue and 
Twenty seventh street Commodore Kingsland in the chair. 

MR. LOUBAT PRESENTS A CFP. 

The Secretary presented and read the following letter fi'om 
Mr. J. F. Loubat, owner of the schooner Enchantress : — 

Paris, February 20, 1875. 

To the Commodore^ Officers and Members of the 
New York Yacht Club : — 

Gentlemen: — Should it be agreeable to the New York Yacht 
Club, I should be most happy to present the club with a $1,000 
cup, to be sailed for on the second Thursday of October, 1876^ 
by schooner yachts of 100 tons and upward, belonging to any 
organized yacht club in the world. 



2 5o A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

All yachts to be measured by a person appointed by the jSTew 
York Yacht Club, according to the club measurement; time 
allowance to be the same as that for His Hoyal Highness the 
Prince of Wales's Challenge Cup yacht race, i.e., twelve seconds 
per ton; tlie New York Yacht Club regulations to be adhered 
to ; no entrance fee. Course, from off Owl's Head, New York 
harbor, to and around the Sandy Hook Lightship, leaving the 
same on the starboard hand, thence to and around the Lightship 
on Five Fathom Bank off Cape May, N. J., and return to the 
Sandy Hook Lightship, leaving both on the port hand. 

The owner of any vessel winning the prize will be required, 
before the prize is delivered, to sign a declaration that the sail- 
ing regulations have been strictly conformed to. 

I remain, gentlemen, your very obedient servant, 

J. F. LOUBAT. 

This cup was accepted, with the thanks of the Club, and: 
referred to the Regatta Committee, with power to arrange terma 
and necessary details with Mr. Loubat. 

The election of new members being in order, forty-one gen- 
tlemen were added to the roll of the club. Adjourned. 



The New Ym^k Times, New York, August 23, 1876. 

A NEW CHALLENGE CUP. 

The silver cup ordered by Mr. J. F. Loubat, owner of the 
yacht Enchantress, of Tiffany & Co., for presentation as a token 
of regard to the New York Yacht Club has just been completed 
and is now on exhibition at Tiffany's salesrooms, in Union 
square. The cup, with the base, is forty-two inches in height, 
and is entirely different from any yet made by the firm. It is 
ornamented in the Renaissance style, with a broad base, tapering 
gradually to a fluted, basket-like top, ornamented with laurel 
wreaths. Two heads are wrought at the terminus of the neck,. 



The Loubat Cape May Cup Race. 2 5 1 

between them being gold anchors, the cordage of which entwines 
the body of the cup. The handles represents the prows of 
barges, imitative of the early Eastern craft. From each side of 
these prows heavy gold chain cables are run into holes at the 
bottom of the bowl. The standard of the cup is decorated with 
a group of anchors, its broadest portion being ornamented with 
the heads of nymphs rising from leaves of water lilies. The 
resting base of the cup is made of rich ebony, ornamented on 
one side with a broad shield trimmed with palm leaves, and in- 
tended for future inscription. The side of the cup itself is 
engraved with the name of the donor, and the Club to which the 
gift is presented. The cup will be sailed for during the second 
week in October, in a regatta open to yachts of 100 tons and 
upward, of any club in the world. 



The New York Herald^ New York, October 15, 1876. 

YACHTING. 

The Eace to Cape^May Lightship and Return for the Loubat Cup. — The 
Schooner Atalanta Wins — Light and Variable Winds Throughout the 
Race. 

The yachting season came to a conclusion yesterday with the 
finish of the race for the Loubat Cup. It is a matter of regret 
that the Atalanta and Idler were the only two competitors for 
what is, without doubt, one of the handsomest pieces of plate 
ever offered as a prize in a yacht race, but the lateness in the sea- 
son prevented many yacht owners from entering their boats, as 
they had already laid them up for the winter. The result of the 
race astonished most yachtsmen, as they had made up theii' mind 
that the Atalanta was no match for the Idler, the heroine of so 
many aquatic triumphs. Probably, with the exception of Mr. 
William Astor, the owner, and some few of his friends who were 
aware of the excellent sailing qualities of their yacht, the Atalanta 
had no friends that cherished a hope of her coming out ahead. 
She certainly won the Kane regatta last year, but that was liardly 



^52 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

considered a fair test of her merits, and then her antagonist on 
this occasion owned a reputation for speed in all weather second 
to none in the country. The race to Cape May and back, though 
not exactly a thorough trial of the qualities of the two yachts, 
certainly gives the Atalanta the right to a position in the front 
rank of our flyers, and take her in a race of twentj^^ miles to wind- 
ward and return it would be hard to find any boat of her size 
that would not be badly pushed to beat her. Of course the Ata- 
lanta was favored by the wind going down to the Five Fathom 
Lightship, but coming back both yachts had about the same 
breeze, and then she appeared to make the fastest time. Mr. 
Samuel S. Colgate, the owner of the Idler, is naturally very much 
disappointed at the result of the race, as he felt pretty confident 
of winning, but next season he will probably be able to have 
another trial over a course where the speed of the two yachts 
will be thoroughly tried. 

Early this season Mr. Loubat sent a communication to the 
New York Yacht Club offering a $1,000 cup to be sailed for 
over the Cape May course under certain stipulations mentioned 
in the following circular: — 

New York Yacht Club, Oct. 2, 1875. 

The race for the Loubat Ocean Cup, for schooners, will be 
Sailed on Thursday, October 12, 1876, and is open to schooner 
yachts of all nations of 100 tons and over; time allowance to be 
the same as that for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales' 
Challenge Cup yacht race — i. 6., twelve seconds per ton. New 
York Yacht Club regulations to beadhered to — No entrance fee. 

The course will be from off Owl's Head, New York harbor, 
over the regular regatta course of the New York Yacht Club, to 
and around the Sandy Hook Lightship, leaving the same on the 
starboard hand; thence to and around the Lightship on Five 
Fathom Bank, off Cape May, and return to Sandy Hook Light" 
ship, leaving both on the port hand. 

The start will be made at three o'clock p. m., and the time of 
the competing yachts will be taken as they pass between the 



The Lotcbat Cape May Cup Race. 263 

judges' boat and the Long Island shore. The signals for starting^ 
Avill be given from the judges' boat, as follows : — For a prepara- 
tory signal, one gun, and the club signal will be lowered; ten 
minutes later, for the yachts to cross the line, the same signals 
will be repeated. No yacht's time will be taken after the expir- 
ation of fifteen minutes from the second signals, unless instruc- 
tions to the contrary are given on the day of the race. 

The owner of any vessel winning the prize will be required 
before it is delivered, to sign a declaration that the sailing regula- 
tions have been strictly conformed to. 

Entries must be made to the Secretary of the club at the club 
house, Madison avenue and Twenty- seventh street, on or before 
Wednesday, October 11. 

G. L. Haight, 

Chairman Regatta Committee^ N. Y^. JT. C. 

C. A. MiNTON, 

Secretary N. T. Y. G. 

The fact that the race was to be sailed with time allowance 
is said to have deterred some of the large keel schooners from 
competing, but considering that it was a race of about 228 
miles, twelve seconds per ton did not make much differ- 
ence. 

THE RACE. 

On Thursday afternoon a number of gentlemen who were going 
to participate in the race for the Loubat Cup left the city by the 
two o'clock boat for Stapleton, Staten Island. On arriving there 
the two competing yachts, the Idler and the Atalanta, were tack- 
ing about, waiting for the starting signal. Mr. S. M. Mills, 
accompanied by Mr. G. L. Haight, the chairman of the Regatta 
Committee, went on board his schooner yacht Yesta, which he 
had kindly placed at the disposal of the judges, and getting 
under weigh stood across toward the Long Inland shore and let 
go her anchor off Owl's Head. It was a beautiful afternoon, and 
although a trifle more wind would have been an improvement 
there was a light southerly breeze that gave promise of strength- 



- 


— TIME.- 


— 


H. 


M. 


s. 


3 


32 


30 


3 


34 


30 



264 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

ening. In order to lose no time Mr. G. L. Haiglit gave orders 
to fire the peparatory signal, and at 3 h. 15 m. p. m. a gun was 
fired that gave the racing yachts ten minutes to get ready. They 
were both under main and foresail, main club topsail, jib, flying 
jib and jib-topsail. The second gun was fired at 3 h. 25 m., and 
then the yachts came up toward the imaginary line between the 
Yesta and Owl's Head. The Atalanta was the first to cross and 
make a reach across to the Staten Island shore on the port tack. 
The Idler followed two minutes later on the starboard tack, hug- 
ging the Long Island shore. The following is the time of the 
yachts as they crossed: — 

YACHT. NAME; TONNAGE. 

Atalanta Mr. William Astor 145.56 

Idler Mr. Samuel J. Colgate. . .. 191.26 

The steam yacht Ideal was out to see the start, and followed 
behind the racers. As soon as the yachts had crossed the line 
Mr. Mills weighed anchor, and the Yesta accompanied them a 
a short distance outside' the Narrows. The wind was rather 
variable, as on the Staten Island side it appeared to have a little 
westing, while off Long Island it was nearly southwest. 

The Atalanta made a short leg on the starboard, and then 
stayed and headed again for Staten Island, fetching to the lee- 
ward of Fort Wadsworth. She then stretched across toward 
Fort Lafayette, but the tide was running flood, and she only 
crossed the Idler's bow about 300 yards ahead. She tacked 
under the lee of Fort Hamilton and made a stretch back, and 
only just succeeded in weathering the Idler. On the next leg 
she again opened the gap, and going in stays headed well up to- 
ward Gravesend, from whence she reached dut in the bay. Re- 
turning on the starboard tack the Atalanta crossed the Idler's 
bows, the latter giving way; and when they came together again 
the Atalanta tacked under the lee of the Idler, as the latter had 
the right of way, and the pair ran alongside of one another up 
to Murray's Dock, when they went about, the Atalanta off the 
Idler's weather beam. After a short contest the Idler gradually 



The Lottbat Cape May Cup Race. 255 

eat up to windward and came out off the Atalanta's weather bow. 
The Idler was well handled and out manoeuvred the Atalanta, 
which would probably have done better to pass under her stern 
than to tack under her lee. The breeze was still steady, but 
appeared to be hauling more to the westward. Both yachts 
now headed toward the Quarantine ship, and the Idler was do- 
ing good work, forereaching and going to windward of the Ata- 
lanta. Off Quarantine Island the Idler broke tacks and stood 
to the eastward, the Atalanta holding on the port tack. She 
finally stayed off the Hospital ship, and making a stretch to the 
eastward crossed the Idler's wake about a quarter of a mile 
astern. The sun was just setting and its golden rays were illum- 
inating the autumnal tinted foliage of the woods on Staten 
Island. The Atalanta tacked and followed after the Idler, both 
yachts making a long leg on the port tack. On the next stretch 
they weathered the Southwest Spit buoy, passing as follows : — 
Idler, 6 h. 00 m. ; Atalanta, 6 h. 05 m. 

They both then gave a little sheet, and the Atalanta set a stay 
sail. They ran very quickly past the point of the Hook, and 
with sheets lifted made fast time on their road to the Lightship. 
The night was rather chilly, and the breeze appeared to be fresh- 
ening every minute. They ran down to the Lightship with their 
booms to port, and the Idler turned first about ^nq minutes 
ahead of the Atalanta. The yachts then parted company, and 
the Idler stayed and stood in shore on the port tack, and the Ata- 
lanta trimmed in her sheets and headed off southeast. The 
breeze began to edge round to the westward, and in about three- 
quarters of an hour the Atalanta was laying her course and skip- 
ping along at a fast gait. At midnight Barnegat was southwest 
from the Atalanta, and at 1 h. 30 ra: a. m. it bore west by north. 
The breeze then begun to let up, and at 3 h. 15 m. the Atalanta 
sent up club f oretopsail and balloon-staysail. The Atalanta must 
have passed the Idler about 3 h. a. m., as the latter was then 
well in shore, near Little Egg Harbor, with hardly any wind. 
At 4 h. 05 m. a. m. Little Egg Harbor bore west northwest, and 
presently the gloom of night began to pass away and daylight 



2 56 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

coming up disclosed the Idler some seven miles astern of the 
Atalanta. The breeze was then about west northwest, but very 
light, and the Atalanta was making about two or three knots an 
hour, running a couple of points free. At first the Idler ap- 
peared to be closing up the gap as her hull became more 
apparent, but after an hour or so she went back, hull down. 
At 6 h. 05 m. a. m. Absecom Light bore west northwest, and 
shortly afterward the breeze freshened a little, and the Atalanta 
was making about four knots. The morning was bright and 
pleasant, with a pretty hot sun, making it more like an August 
than an October day. At 8 h. 30 m. the breeze began to die, 
and the Atalanta sent up a balloon staysail and set a balloon jib. 
The Idler was still some six or seven miles astern, evidently not 
much better off in the way of wind. The sea was as smooth as 
a millpond, and there was just sufl&cient breeze to give steerage 
way. At 9 h. 43 m. the lookout on the Atalanta sighted the Five 
Fathom Lightship. 

For the next two hours there was a light fanning breeze from 
the westward and about 11 h. a.m. it hauled round to the north- 
ward. The Atalanta winged out, but it did not do her much 
good as the wind died away entirely. For the next half hour 
there were little catspaws of air coming from all directions and 
finally a light breeze settled down from south southwest. The 
Atalanta then trimmed down on the wind and after tacking 
around for about an hour and a half rounded the Five Fathom 
Lightship at 1 h. 37 m. p.m. She then headed for home, starting 
at first under all her light canvas, with her booms to starboard. 
The breeze gradually strengthened and she slipped along at 
about a four knot gait. The wind coming more aft the fore- 
boom was shifted out and she went along wing and wing. In 
the meantime the Idler was tacking around and trying to weather 
the Lightship, a feat she finally accomplished at 3 h. 23 m., jast 
1 h. 46 m. behind the Atalanta, equivalent to about seven miles. 
The Atalanta trotted along on her course, improving her gait as 
the breeze freshened, and the Idler sank lower and lower on the 
horizon, until at last — 5 h. 05 m. p. m. — she disappeared all to- 



The Lotibat Cape May Cup Race, 267 

gether. Absecom Light then bore west, about ten miles distant- 
After passing Absecom Light the Atalanta sent over herforeboom 
and hauled up a couple of points, skipping along at about an 
eleven knot gait, on the port tack. The breeze was now pretty 
fresh and dead on the beam, so that the main sheet stood a little 
trimming down. At 10 h. 25 m. p.m. Barnegat Light was north- 
west, and at 11 h. 05 m. it was bearing west about a point and a 
half abaft of the beam. Toward morning the breeze lightened 
up a little, and the Atalanta finally rounded the Sandy Hook 
Lightship at 4 h. 01 m. 30 s yesterday morning, the winner of tne 
Loubat Cup. She was well handled during the race, and Captain 
S. "W. Freestone and his mate,'^Charles Johnson, deserve credit for 
the way they worked her light canvas. Captain Peter Roff and 
Captain Dan, of the Wanderer, were also on board lending 
a helping hand. The Idler rounded the Lightship at 6 h. 54 m. 
and followed the Atalanta, which had started immediately after 
rounding for Staten Island. 

The following is the time of the race : 

Start. Finish. Actual Corrected 

time. time. 

H.M.S. H.M.S.. H. M. S. H. M. S. 

Atalanta. . . .3 32 30 4 01 30. . . .36 29 00. . . .36 19 52.. 
Idler .....3 34 30 6 54 00. . . .39 19 00. . . .39 19 00. 

The Atalanta therefore won the cup by 2 h. 50 m. actual time,, 
and 2 h., 59 m., 8 s. corrected time. She was built by David 
Caril, of City Island, on about ten feet of the keel of the old 
Calypso that was destroyed by fire. She left last night for Ehine- 
beck on the Hudson, where the owner Mr. Astor has his country 
residence. Mr. Astor intends to start shortly for a cruise ir? 
Southern waters. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



The Field, London, October 6, 1877. 
THE ENCHANTKESS SOLD. 



Mr. J. F. Loubat has disposed of this yacht to Major 
Williams. 



The Illustrated Sporting Dramatic Times, New York, June 12, 1878. 
YACHTING OF THE UNITED STATES, 

The lover and amateur of this time-honored pastime of yacht- 
ing cannot help, if he be at all observant, feeling joyous and en- 
couraged at its rapid progress in American waters. Indeed one 
has to watch the press to possess a correct idea of its rapid ad- 
vancement. In every section of the country — not only in the 
harbors, bays and rivers of the older States, but on the little 
lakes, bayous and inlets of the most distant part of our country's 
broad domain, the white wings of the yacht and pleasure-boat 
and their picturesque beauty to the panorama. We have been 
led to this brief reflection by indulging in a retrospective glance 
at the number of yachts which have been built, and the many 
yachting organizations which have been formed around us during 
the past twenty years. As an ardent amateur of the pastime, it 



Miscellaneous. 2 59 

-affords us heartfelt pleasure to record this fact ; and we sincerelj 
hope the prevailing spirit will never culminate until the Ameri- 
can yachting marine outnumbers — as it now outsails — the world. 

It is not many years since those who evinced an interest in 
aquatic matters could almost enumerate the pleasure-craft 
throughout the country. Then, the yachts belonging to the gen- 
tlemen of New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, 
New Orleans, etc., were familiarly known to all amateurs of 
yachting. Now, the case is far different ; the increase and influ- 
•ence, especially of the clubs located in the vicinity of the me- 
tropolis have given an extraordinary impetus to yachting recrea- 
tion in every locality. Clubs composed of vessels of large and 
small dimensions, are found in every seaport of our land. In- 
land places and the harbors of our great lakes, as well as the 
river towns and villages, attest and give practical evidence of our 
assertion. 

The New York Yacht Club, the pioneer club of the country, 
has performed yeoman service in developing the pastime; audits 
signals and vessels have conferred an unfading lustre upon our 
yachting annals. As we are now in the regatta season, it may 
not be inappropriate to briefly recall some of the principal 
events which adorn and honor the yachting record of the United 
States. First of all, in regard to its importance and to the name 
it won for us, from the entire yachting world, must be mentioned 
the America's visit to Great Britain. Of her beauty of model 
(a monument to this hour of the lamented George Steer's genius 
and talent as a naval architect ;) of her hollow victories over 
England's crack yachts, in fleets and singly, not one being able to 
give her a decent race, we will not dilate, as it long since passed 
into familiar and glorious American yachting history. The gal- 
lant little schooner is now the property of General B. F. Butler, 
and has proven herself as hard to beat in modern times, notwith- 
standing all modern improvements, as she was in the days of 
Auld Lang Syne. Long may she fly the legend she so nobly 
won when she distanced the British fleet. " The Yankee's ahead, 
the rest nowhere ! " 



26o A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

The sloop yacht Silvie's visit to England in 1853, although 
not resulting in any great amount of sailing honors is worthy of 
mention as Mr. Louis A. Depau, her owner, after starting in a 
regatta which he did with reluctance, as the wind was very light^ 
and the whole sail turned out a drifting, instead of a sailing 
match. She came in second, the Julia, a- craft about half her 
size coming in first. The Silvie was a centre-board sloop, of one 
hundred and six tons, eighty feet long, twenty-four feet beam. 
The second prize, a cup, was won by the Silvie, but Mr. Depau 
wishing to gain some honors for his sloop and the New York 
Yacht Club, before returning across the Atlantic, naturally de- 
sired another and more satisfactory test. In the regatta above- 
alluded to, all the yachts approaching the tonnage, and double 
the tonnage of the Silvie, were nowhere, among them being Mr- 
Weld's champion schooner Alarm. Mr. Depau in the hope of 
getting on another trial, made the following proposition to 
English yachtsmen : 

First. — " That the cup awarded to the yacht Silvie should be 
sailed for by all yachts in the Royal Yacht Squadron, or of any 
other yacht squadron in England, the Silvie to remain at anchor,, 
or if the committee desired, she would enter for the race with the 
understanding that the distance must be performed by the win- 
ning vessel in a certain number of hours, according to the 
distance to be sailed over, in order thus to determine that the 
race was sailed with a good breeze." 

Second. — " The Silvie would sail any yacht in the Koya! 
Yacht Squadron a round race, one-half distance to windward, for 
any reasonable amount of money, according to above rule con- 
cerning time. 

Third. — '' The Silvie would sail any yacht for the honor of 
the American flag." 

As may be imagined, the Silvie did not get any other chance 
from a people, who, as George Wilkes says, are accustomed to 
" hive their victories," and soon after she voyaged to Russia and 
^' up the straits ;" from thence returning to !N^ew York. She 



Miscella7ieoiis, 261 

crossed the Atlantic in sixteen and one-half days, returnina; in 
thirty-five making the homeward voyage under shortened sail in 
consequence of carrying away her bowsprit and main boom. The 
Silvie, now rigged as a schooner, hails from Boston, and fiys the 
signal of the Eastern Yacht Clubs. She was built by George 
Steers. 

"Another event, second only in importance, and perliaps not 
second but superior in its beneficial effects upon this country's 
yachting status was the renowned mid- winter ocean race across 
the Atlantic of the schooner yachts Henrietta, owned by Com- 
modore James G. Bennett, Fleetwing, owned by Messrs. George 
and Frank Osgood, and the Vesta owned by Messrs. Pierre and 
George Lorillard. The America's hollow victories placed us 
^head of the world in speed and model ; while the ocean race 
silenced forever the sneers and criticisms of those who were ac- 
•customed to deride us as " sunshiny or feather-bed yachtsmen, 
whose craft seldom ventured off soundings or outside the Light 
ships." The manhood and daring of our yachtsmen, and the 
rstaunchness and sea-going qualities of our yachts, have never 
been lampooned since by any yachting writer of intelligence. 
The course was from Sandy Hook lightship to the Needles Light 
•on the western end of the Isle of Wight, in the English Channel, 
for a purse of ninety thousand dollars, thirty thousand dollars 
for each yacht. 

The Henrietta is a keel yacht of 205 tons, the Fleetwing, a 
keel of 212 tons, and the Yesta, a centre-board of 201 tons. The 
Henrietta won the race, although the Yesta and Fleetwing had 
defeated her in match races of twenty miles to windward and 
return, off Sandy Hook. A race of three thousand miles is 
'evidently as much a test of skillful navigation as it is of speed. 
Mr, Bennett crossed on the Henrietta, and Mr. George Loril- 
lard on the Yesta ; it was one of the closest and fastest races ever 
known between sailing vessels, and all three yachts after separ- 
ating, the first night, outside of Sandy Hook, and never sighting 
•each other in the interim, arrived at the Needles within a period 
of a little over two hours. This race will be forever memorable 



262 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

in American j^achting annals, and no subsequent yacht sailing of 
either a hazardous or peaceful character, can ever cast it in the 
shade or dim its lustre. Of a truth, it forms a picture upon our- 
yachting escutcheon to which both our old and young yachtsmen 
will always revert with true joy and satisfaction. 

Happily for our limited amount of yachting literature, this 
notable event has been portrayed in a highly talented manner,, 
which insure for it, as it richly deserves, something more than, 
an ephemeral existence. Colonel Stuart M. Taylor, who shared 
the perils of the voyage on board the Yesta, has written " The 
Log of the Yesta," which was published in five numbers of the 
Aquatic Monthly^ and we venture the assertion that no superior 
or more beautiful composition on a yachting subject has ever 
been printed on either side of the Atlantic. Colonel Taylor, a 
true Knickerbocker gentleman, for many years an energetic 
member of the New York Yacht Club, is now Recorder of the 
City and County of San Francisco, and we most respectfully 
salute him, feeling fully sensible that the " good cause " of yacht- 
ing in our land possesses no warmer defender, no more talented 
advocate, and no sincerer disciple. 

Of the two voyages of the schooner yacht Sappho, to En- 
gland from New York we shall speak at another time in the 
first of which she was defeated by entering in a regatta, as the 
Silvie did, and could not get any other chance from our cousins 
before the yachting season was over. But on her second visit, 
sailed by Captain Bob Fish, she literally " came the America 
over them,'' duplicating that ce](?brated schooner's performances 
and triumphs, and distancing all competitors in Brittannia's own 
waters, showed the greatest yachting on the globe — how squad- 
rons were defeated and fields were won. 

The cruise of Mr. Loubat's Enchantress, an elegant specimen* 
of this country's yachting marine, lasting some two or three- 
years and visiting all navigable foreign waters, would be highly 
entertaining. Distinguished people everywhere were entertained 
handsomely by her hospitable owner, and she carried creditably 
the New York Yacht Club's time-honored signal all over the- 



Miscellaneous, 263 

world. Neither must it be forgotten that, with Bob Fish at the 
helm, she set her racing colors and challenged any yacht in 
England, upon their own time allowance, for which handicap an 
American model could not get a customer, and was obliged to go 
into Winter quarters. " Peverlly." 



Sunday Times and Noah's Weekly Messenger, New York, July 14, 1878. 
A YACHTSMAN ON SHORE— COLUMBIA'S HISTORICAL MEDALS*. 

Mr. J. F. Loubat, so favorably known as a leading yachts- 
man of the United States, from his ownership and long cruisings 
in his schooner-yacht Enchantress, one of the largest and most 
elegant yachts ever launched, has just published the above work, 
which for patient research, ability and good taste evinced in its 
composition will render it always invaluable to the student of bib- 
liographic reminiscences of our land. The work was commenced 
in 1862 ; the author has therefore devoted sixteen years to its 
accomplishment, and made the generous outlay of twenty-live 
thousand dollars to place the magnificent volumes before the 
literary world. It is truly gratifying to know that this work has 
been accomplished in such a thorough and talented manner ; and 
that the historical facts, as depicted, leave scarcely anything 
for the future student to do, but to familiarize himself with the 
data and record so plainly set before him. 

In these volumes are remembered and honored our naval he- 
roes, Paul Jones, Preble, Decatur, Bainbridge, Hull, Burrows, 
Porter, Macdonough, etc.; and on land, Mad Anthony Wayne, 
Brown, Eipley, Miller, Scott, Gaines, McComb, Andrew Jack- 
son, Zachary Taylor, and many others whose names and deeds 
enrich our country's patriotic annals. 

*The Medalic History of the United States of America, 1776-1876. 
By J. F. Loubat, Member of the New- York Historical Society, &c. With 
170 etchings by Jules Jacquemart. Two volumes. Text and plates. New 
Tork. Published by the Author. 1878. 



264 A Yacht sma7i s Scrap Booh. 

Yachtsmen will not miss a thorough inspection and perusal 
of page 447, vol. I, which contains an etching of the first-class 
life-saving medals given to Col. J. Schuyler Crosby, now consul 
to Florence, and Carl Fosberg, for saving the life of Miss Edith 
May, and endeavoring to rescue the late Miss Adele Hunter and 
Commodore William T. Garner and his wife, at the sinking of the 
yacht Mohawk, in New York Harbor, July 20, 1876; awarded 
June 8, 1877. Many of our readers may remember that the late 
Mr. Louis B. Montant and Mr. G. G. Howland, also exhibited 
on board the Mohawk, heroic conduct, and a perfect disregard of 
self during this sad fatality. Many thought they would be re- 
membered also, and perhaps they would have been, if the atten- 
tion of the government had been directed toward a public recog- 
nition of their bravery during this time of peril. 

The perseverance which Mr. Loubat has exhibited in the 
preparation of this history, stamps him not only as an accom- 
plished but as a most indomitable historian ; and his tact and ju- 
dicious system as a collector is evinced in almost every paragraph 
of this truly great work ; and that his years of labor and re- 
search have been pursued con amore^ is apparent on every page. 
Our first national token was struck in honor of George Wash- 
ington, as a reward of the government for his capture of Boston 
in March, 1776. From this medal to the one awarded to John 
Horn, of Detroit, for life-saving, by the act of June 20, 1874, 
our national medals number just eighty-six. Our struggle for 
independence is commemorated by seventeen; the war of 1812 
by twenty-seven; the Mexican war by four, and medals to 
ex-President Grant and the late Commodore Yanderbilt for 
services during the late civil war render the enumeration 
complete. A large number of the first medals were specimens 
of the skill of the most accomplished French engravers, such as 
A. Dupre, Duvivier, and Gatteaux. 

Later medals attest the admitted skill and talent of Andrieu 
Gayrard, Paquet, Rembrandt Peale, Barber, and other engrav- 
ers of the highest reputation. One of the most talented review- 
ers connected with our metropolitan press thus speaks of this 



Miscella neous. 265 

portion of Mr. Loubat's labors : " The engravings and designs 
are of all degrees of merit, from the rude and monstrous carving 
of the ^Red-Jacket Medal ' to the finest examples of numismatic 
art. Mr. Loubat arranges the medals in chronological order, and 
not only tells the story of each one, but gives a biographical 
sketch of the person honored by it, an account of the designer 
and engraver, and a complete transcript of the official documents, 
reports of battles, etc., which the medal was struck to commem- 
orate. Some of these documents he tells us are now printed for 
the first time, and we need hardly say that they give his work a 
high historical value. These descriptive and documentary pages, 
together with a copious introduction in which he tells of his long, 
patient, and ingenious search after missing medals, and gives a 
narrative of the agency of Franklin, Jefferson, Humphreys, and 
otlicrs in procuring the preparation of American medals in Paris, 
make up the first of Mr. Loubat's stately volumes. 

'* The second volume contains 170 etchings, 85 plates, by 
that renowned master of his art, M. Jules Jacquemart, of Paris, 
whose etchings of the best pictures in our metropolitan museum 
of art render his name familiar to New Yorkers. The printer 
of the plates, A. Salmon, of Paris, is deserving of mention for 
his perfect style of working off the etchings. The hand-made 
paper, of superb linen fabric, was manufactured expressly for 
Mr. Loubat, at Eives. The letter-press is the work of Francis 
Hart & Co., of New York, and its execution reflects great credit 
upon the head of this house, Mr. Theodore L. De Yinne. In 
this work the most experienced judge is left nothing to criticise 
in its elegant type, superior press work, and perfect arrangement. 
" The following letter from the President of the New York 
Historical Society pays an intelligent and deserved tribute to 
the work : 

New York, 76 University Place, May 29, 1878. 
Mr. J. F. Loubat, LL. D., etc. 
Dear Sir: — I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of the copy of 
your splendid work on the Medallic History of the United States, 
which you have sent to me for our Historical Society; and I do 



266 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

not hesitate to anticipate its formal action, and return at once a 
most cordial acknowledgment in its behalf. The Society will 
be proud of this achievement of one of its members, and the 
distinguished service you have rendered in this truly magnificent 
contribution to our nation's history; and will not fail to join in a 
grateful recognition of the large and liberal spirit in which you 
have designed the work, and the generous manner in which you. 
have successfully carried it out. 

With great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

Frederick De Peyster. 

It has been our duty and pleasure for many years to chron- 
icle the generous and earnest doings of Mr. Loubat, as one of 
the representative yachtsmen of the United States; and in his 
cruisings and ownership of the elegant schooner yacht Enchan- 
tress, no gentleman has contributed in a greater degree to 
elevate and dignify this country's yachting marine; yet it is 
comparatively but an ephemeral pastime after all; and Mr.. 
Loubat's fame will live in the historical and standard literature of 
America as the Author of the "Medallic History of the United 
States," when the names and records of our most celebrated 
yachts have been long forgotten. 

C. A. P. 




THE NEW YORK PIL( 



From the Pahiting presented to Mr. J. F. Loubat, by the owners. 




OAT J. F. LOUBAT, No. i6. 



CHAPTER XX. 



THE NEW YOKK PILOT BOAT JOSEPH F. LOUBAT 

NO. 16. 



TU.ur l^o-H^, 2)^'c^^. ^2pL, ^880. 
trru ^zJ:^\jR^^, 2)-E:yT:y^rru^^1- 1 StL, i 8SO. 

TU^you Zl^xrx^i'lr, lOut 8 V' izytv-cylV , 'Or. TTb, 

E. COMFOKT, 
W. J. BARRY, 

J. McCarthy, 

M. J. MARIGA. 



268 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

The New York Heraldy New Ycyrh, December 19, 1880. 



LAUNCH OF A PILOT BOAT. 



THE JOSEPH F. LOUBAT ADDED TO THE SANDY HOOK FLEET. 

At Ellis' shipyards in Tottenville, S. I., a number of persons 
gathered yesterday morning to assist in the ceremonies of launch- 
ing and christening pilot boat l^o. 16, of the Sandy Hook pilot's 
fleet. The boat is a schooner, like all her sisters of the fleet, 
and was built by Jacob S. Ellis, at an expense of $13,000, for 
pilots Electus Comfort, W. J. Barry, James McCarthy and 
Maurice J. Mariga. Her length, over all, is 88 feet, breadth of 
beam 21 feet 2 inches, depth of hold is 9 feet, and her burden, 
by carpenter's measurement, 140 tons. 

The party, consisting of the four owners, all their friends of 
the force of pilots who were ashore, ladies, the Eckford Social 
Club, of Brooklyn, and Mr. and Mrs. Bradish Johnson, jr., and 
a party of their friends were on hand early in the morning, and 
as the vessel was started on her ways Mrs. Johnson smashed the 
traditional bottle of champagne (extra dry) on the bows and 
christened the gliding boat the " Joseph F. Loubat." The name 
was chosen, it should be said, out of compliment to Mr. Loubat, 
the yachtsman, whose contributions to the benevolent societies 
of the pilots has earned him their friendship, and Mrs. Johnson 
was chosen as the vessel's sponsor because of her relationship to 
Mr. Loubat, she being his cousin. 

The launch was accomplished at a quarter of ten a. m., and 
was a reasonably successfully one, the vessel sliding gracefully 
down to a point below high water mark. She did not float, but 
stopped above the water, and it was found impracticable to coax 
or drive her further down. The next high tide, however, floated 
her off, as a sailor remarked, "high and dry" and she swam like 
a cork in the water. 

The Joseph F. Loubat is one of the handsomest of all the 
fleet in appearance, and is furnished and fitted out in the most 
thorough and comfortable style known to the pilots. So far as 



The New York Pilot Boat, Joseph F. Lottbat. 269 

can be judged by her model and general appearance, and by the 
favorable start in life which she received yesterday, she will, as 
pilot boat No. 16, prove a credit to the gallant fleet that is already 
known the world over. 



The New York TimeSj New York, December 19, 1880. 
A NEW PILOT-BOAT LAUNCHED. 

A large number of persons gathered yesterday in Jacob S. 
Ellis's ship yard, at Tottenville, Staten Island, to witness the 
launch of the new Sandy Hook pilot boat, Joseph F. Loubat. 
A special train on the Staten Island Kailway conveyed a large 
number of pilots and their families to Tottenville. When the 
blocks were knocked from under the vessel, she glided down the 
ways, but before her bow slipped off her stern became stuck in 
the mud. 

Mr. Ellis announced that pontoons would be placed each side 
of the vessel, and that she would be floated at high tide. The 
Loubat is larger than any pilot boat now in the service. Her 
dimensions are as follows: 74 feet keel; 88 feet over all; 21 
feet beam; 9 feet hold; draught of water, 11 feet. Her cabins 
and state rooms are finished with hard wood, and she is fitted up 
with all the latest improvements. She is owned by Staten Island 
and New York pilots, and will take the place of Pilot boat No. 
16. Capt. Comfort, of Brooklyn, will command her. The total 
cost of the vessel is about $11,000. 



The World, New York, December 19, 1880. 
A NEW PILOT-BOAT LAUNCH. 

The new Sandy Hook pilot boat, Joseph F. Loubat, was 
launched yesterday at Captain Jacob S. Ellis's yard at Totten- 
ville, S. I. When the blocks were knocked from under the ves- 
sel she slid easily down the ways till the bow floated, but then 
the stern stuck in the mud, and pontoons will be needed to 



2/0 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

free her. She is the largest of the pilot boat fleet and will take 
the place of No. 16. Her dimensions are: Length along the 
keel, 74 feet; length over all, 88 feet; beam, 21 feet, and draft, 
11 feet, and she cost $11,000. Captain Comfort, of Brooklyn, 
is to be in command. 



CHAPTER XXI, 



THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN EGBERT FISH. 



The Suriy New York^ January 18, 1883. 
A FAMOUS YACHT BUILDER. 



DEATH OF CAPTAIN ROBERT FISH WHO FASHIONED THE SAPPHO AND 

THE ENCHANTRESS. 

Captain Robert Fish, the yacht builder, died at his home in 
Pamrapo, N. J., early yesterday morning, 70 years old, of dis. 
ease incident to age. His father, David Fish, kept a boat-house 
at the foot of Roosevelt street, in this city. Robert finally 
opened a shop in Front street, and in 1840 he removed to 404 
Water Street. In 1850, he established his yard at Pamrapo. 
Among his earliest achievements were the Annie, a cabin yacht, 
built for Anson Livingston, and the cabin yacht Julia for Dr. 
Patten. 

What he considered his greatest triumph was the remodel- 
ling of the Sappho, a schooner of 300 tons, the work of another 
builder. She was sent to England, and in the international races 
at Cowes, was defeated. 

She was brought back and sold to W. P. Douglass. Captain 
Fish puts hips on her, widening her in such a way above the 
bilge strake that she had much greater stability and was able 
to stand up under a much greater press of canvass in a stiff 
breeze. He gave the masts a greater rake, and shifted them so 



272 A Yachtsman s Scrap Book, 

as to make her steer more easily. Her ballast also was shifted, 
leaving her a little by the stern, In 1870 she returned to Cowes 
and won three successive races, defeating the famous English 
yacht Cambria. Captain Fish was in command during the races. 
Among other models made by Captain Fish were those of the 
Eva, the Enchantress, and the Meteor. The Eva was built for 
George Lorillard, and was never defeated. The Enchantress was 
built by Pine of Greenpoint for George Lorillard. One of her 
famous races was that of October 9, 1873, from Owl's Head 
Point around the Lightship off Cape May and return. It was a 
scrub race, yachts, working schooners, and pilot boats participat- 
ing, but the Enchantress carried off the cup, valued at $1,000. 
J. F. Loubat was the owner of the Enchantress at this time. Mr. 
Loubat afterward made an extended tour of European waters in 
the Enchantress, with Captain Fish in charge. While on this 
trip he noticed a number of yachts of familiar model in an Eng- 
lish fleet. Askinp^ a member of the club, a stranger, where they 
came from, he was told that they were made after the model of 
a Yankee yacht called the Truant, built by one Fish in New 
York. The Truant was built for Moses H. Grinnell. 

The Enchantress challenged all England, but there were no 
takers. The Meteor tried to get a race at Cowes, but she 
failed. In 1873 she sailed for the Mediterranean, and from the 
English Channel to Lisbon she was logged at seventeen knots* an 

The World, New York, March 24:, 1887. 

A WoRiiB READER, E. F. F., writes to know something about the speed 
of transatlantic sailing ships and yachts. A ship captain could not tell the 
truth about his own ship if he tried. It is not that he is untruthful. He 
may be a second George Washington, but the moment the speed of his 
own vessel is called into question he forgets the day he started and nlways 
omits the day he arrives in telling the time of passage. There is no *' offi- 
cial time " of sailing vessel's crossing the Atlantic Ocean, except in the 
races of the Cambria and Dauntless to New York and the Henrietta, Vesta 
and Fleetwing to the other side. Even for the Sappho's time we have to 
depend upc^n the unsupported testimony of her sailing-master. There was 
no starter, no starting gun, no judges and no one to receive her. It is the 
same with the Red Jacket's time. Either made the passage in about thir- 
teen days. The report, or rumor, that the Dreadnought made the run 
from Sandy Hook to Queenstown Bar in 9 days, 17 hours, 3 minutes, has 
no more foundation than Locke's story concerning the inhabitants of the 
moon. 



The Death of Captain Robert Fish. a? 3 

Lour. By an error made by the navigator the Meteor r^n 
aground near Cape Bonn, on the coast <^f Africa, and W9,8 ^ total 
wreck. Mr. Fish was among the Arabs some time, bat eventp- 
allv reached home. 

The Challenge, built from Mr. Eish's model, had a record of 
seventeen and one-half knots an hour. Louis Lorillard's yacht? 
Wanderer, was built at Greenpoint from a model by Mr. Fish. 
She was 104 feet on the water line, 23 feet beam, au(3 8 i&^% 
depth of hold. 

Amon^ the famous open boats built or modeled by Mr. Fish, 
were the Fulton and the Bob Fish. The Fulton won in the? fawi- 
ous races of I^ew Jersey against New York. The Bob Fish wae 
built for Bergen Point owners, but afterward she became the 
property of Colonel Yarian of tliis city. She won a number of 
races. 

The funeral will take place from the Methodist church, Pam- 
rapo, at 3 o'clock to-morrow. 



The Sun, New York, January 20, 1883. 
AT CAPTAIN ROBERT FISH'S FUNERAL. 

The snow was falling yesterday when Captain Robert Fish, the 
yacht builder, was buried in New York Bay Cemetery, Pamra,pQ, 
N. J. "We were sailing," said the Rev. R. M. Alysworth, vfho 
conducted the services in the Pamrapo Methodist church, "oyer 
the troubled ocean from which Captain Fish has landed. Hie 
life, filled with activity, was a romance. Travelling in mapy 
lands, in different classes of society, he made friends ^herev^T 
he went." 

On the coffin lay a wreath and an anchor of white flowers, 
one of which was the gift of J. F. Loubat, formerly the owner 
of the schooner Enchantress, which Captain Fish modelled fpr 
Mr. Lorillard. Captain Fish sailed with Mr. Loubat for three 
years. The pall-bearers were Captain Joe. Ellsworth, owner of 



2 74 ^^ Yachtsman s Scrap Book. 

the sloops Admiral and Captain and other yachts ; William 
Elsworth, E. C. Allaire, Jr., Daniel and Jasper Cadmus, of Pam- 
rapo,and Peter Stewart, sailmaker of Kew York. Among those 
present were Messrs. J. F. Lonbat, Samuel H. Pine, shipbuilder 
of Brooklyn ; W. J. Jones, of Jones & Dobb, ship painters ; JN^ew 
York ; Jas. Stewart, sailmaker, New York ; Philip Ellsworth, who 
modelled the yacht Montauk ; A. Carey Smith, yacht designer ; 
Elia Morton, W. Bishop, ship plumber, ISTew York, and W. B. 
l^ichols, of East Seventy-fourth street, Kew York, for whom 
Captain Fish built the Jalia, the Cumming, and other yachts, and 
for whom, at the time of his death, he was about to build a 
yacht, of which he hr.s left the model. 



The World, New York, January 20, 1883. 
FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN FISH. 

The funeral of Captain Kobert Fish took place yesterday 
afternoon from the West Yiew Avenue Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Pamrapo, N. J., the Rev. Robert M. Aylsworth, 
the pastor, officiating. The chief mourners were Mrs. 
Robert Fish, the widow ; Mr. John Fish, the son, and 
the Misses Hattie and Evelyn Fish, the daughters. Among 
those present were Mr. J. F. Loubat, former owner of the En- 
chantress, modelled by Captain Fish; Captain Wm. Burril, of Ho- 
boken;Mr. Francis, of Bloomingdale, inventor of the Francis life- 
saving car and the earliest employer of Captain Fish ; Mr. 
Samuel Pyne, Captain Frank Hopkins, Mr. A. Cary Smith, 
Captain Philip Elesworth and Mr. Elia Morton. After the 
close of the services the casket was opened and all present in the 
church defiled past it and took a last look at the remains, which 
were immediately after conveyed to the New York Bay 
Cemetery at Greenville, where, after the reading of the burial 
service by Mr. Aylsworth, the interment took place. 

THE END. 



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